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HoVaKD: 




The Christian Hero 



BY 

LAURA C. HOLLOWAT Lariorov 

AUTHOU OF "THTC LADIES OF THE WHITE nOUSS,"" " AK HOUR WITH 
CHAKLOTTB BRONTE ; OR, TLOWEKS FROM A YORK- 
SHIRE MOOR," ETC., ETC., ETC. 






^*^^!fitt-, . 



FUNK & WAGNALLS 

NEW YORK ^ LOI^DOJq^ 

10 & 12 Dey Street 44 Fleet Street 

All Rights Reserved 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1885, by 

FUNK & WAGNALLS, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C. 



[A /I Rights Reserved \ 
Registered at Stationers' Hall, London, England. 



C01srTElN[TS. 



PAGE 

Introduction 5 

I. 

Characteristics — Early days and ancestry — His two grandfathers 
— School and home life — Youthful experiences — Engaged to 
be married — Leaves college — At West Point 11 

II. 
Military career — First stations — In the Florida war — Becomes a 
professing Christian — A temperance sermon — Influence with 
soldiers — About the Master's work — Returns to "West Point — 
Diary and letters 36 

III. 

The Civil War — Colonel of a Maine regiment — Reception and 
dinner in New York — Battle of Bull Run — With the Army 
of the Potomac — Life in camp — The battle of Fair Oaks — 
Twice wounded — Returns to his home — "The empty 
sleeve " 61 

IV. 

At home and at work — Raising volunteers — Returns to the Army 
of the Potomac — Battle of Fredericksburg — Views regarding 
Generals McClellan, Burnside, and others — The battle of 
Chancellorsville — Mr. Chancellor's opinion of General How- 
ard's conduct 81 

V. 

Gettysburg — The three days' fight — Honors to General Howard 
— Congress and the Maine Legislature thank him — Hastened 
West — In command of the Army of the Tennessee 97 



IV COi^TEii[TS. 

VI, PAGE 

The march to tlie sea — Incidents by the way — With General 
Sherman at Columbia, S. C. — Called to Washington — The 
new department oflfered him — The Christian and humani- 
tarian work he engaged in — A legacy from President Lincoln 133 

VII. 
The Freedmen's Bureau — Its organization and ramifications — 
Christian work in Washington — Friends and foes of the 
Bureau — The destitute refugees — Problems which perplexed 
General Howard — A thankless labor and its reward 141 

VIII. 
Peace commissioner to the Apache Indians — In Arizona with 
Captain Jeffords and "Cochees" — Returns to Washington 
with a delegation of Indians — Peace secured — Howard's 
treaty confirmed by President Grant, 164 

IX. 

The Court of Inquiry — Vindication — General Howard triumphant 
— Ordered to the Department of the Columbia — The Nez- 
Perces War — Incidents of the pursuit and capture of Chief 
Joseph and his band — An answered prayer — The return — 
Appointed Superintendent of the Military Academy at West 
Point , 184 

X. 

Excerpts from letters, documents, and private diary, showing 
General Howard's inner life — The war, the Freedmen's 
Bureau, the church, and public events discussed — xinecdote 
of General Howard's kindness of heart — Conclusion 210 






INTEODUCTIOK 



The difficulties which beset the path of a biographer, 
even under tlie most favorable circumstances, are well 
known ; they are by no means lessened when the subject 
of the memoirs is still living. Presentation of a man to 
a public composed of his friends and enemies is a task of 
extreme delicacy. The time has not yet arrived to pub- 
lish all the facts of General Howard's career ; he is still 
in the active pursuit of his profession, and full of prom- 
ises of future achievements. 

Even the strictest sense of justice will not save the 
biographer from disappointing the expectation of friends 
and hurting the feelings of others who have taken part 
in the dfama of Howard's life. The purpose of the 
present volume is neither to chronicle the military events 
with which the name of General Howard is connected 
nor to criticise the different personages with whom he 
has been associated. General O. O. Howard, the Chris- 
tian soldier, is the subject of this biography, which, it 
is hoped, will tell those who know him more about his 
eventful and distinguished life, and introduce to those 
who do not know him a character well worth study. 

General Howard has been called the ^^ Havelock of 
the American Army," and been likened to Palmer, to 
Yicars, and latterly to Gordon, whose line spiritual 
character was akin to his own. The comparison with 
Chinese Gordon, of all others, is best sustained for both ; 



6 INTRO DUCTIOi?'. 

"Peace hath her yictories not less renowned than war ;'* 

Gordon's jDeace triiimplis in Africa and China find strik- 
ing parallel in Howard's services to the Freedmen and 
his missions to the Indians of the West. Unlike Gordon, 
Howard had the opportunity of not only fighting to free 
the enslaved, but also to be the leader in establishing 
them under altered conditions of life. To pursue the 
comparison further, the religious element has been in- 
tensely strong in both ; but religion with them has been 
a living sentiment, which has refused to bend the knee 
to any ecclesiastical system. The large-hearted Catholi- 
cism of both has called forth repeated criticisms from 
sectarians. Although it is unfair to compare and con- 
trast the religious tenets to which they hold, it may be 
safely asserted that the general effect on their characters, 
produced by deep religious convictions, has been similar. 
In all acts of life each has been first the Christian, and 
then the soldier or administrator. They were also alike 
in this, that they have not looked upon honest poverty as 
a reproach, but have estimated wealth at its true value — 
as a means to noble and manly ends. Nor must the dis- 
similarities between the two characters be overlooked ; 
each has a strongly marked individuality of his own, 
which even a superficial observer wdll not fail to note. 
But while both are products of the same conditions in 
our civilization, Howard's Pilgrim ancestry and his tem- 
perament, curiously at variance with accepted theories 
regarding heredity, render it impossible to class him 
with this other eminent character. It is needless to 
establish further parallels, as the qualities in which the 
subject of this memoir resembles the illustrious names 
we have mentioned, as also their points of dissimilarity, 
are too striking to escape observation. 



Iiq-TRODUCTIOIT. 7 

The progress of civilization, and the influences brought 
to bear upon war hj science, have altered the character 
of the soldier's life, and have eliminated from the pro- 
fession the possibilities of physical heroism which once 
existed. War has lost much of its savage and romantic 
character as well : it has been reduced to the level of a 
gigantic play of chess, involving frightful massacres of 
the rank and lile, but requiring of leaders more intelli- 
gence and quick observation and less strength of arm. 
In modern times military achievements, however brill- 
iant they may be, rarely allow a soldier to acquire glory 
as the slayer of numbers of his enemies ; but at the same , 
time it has removed from the soldier's character that stain 
of murder which attaches itself to even such a heroic 
personage as King Arthur. It is curious to note how 
Murat, afterward King of Naples, and one of the finest 
cavalry officers that Europe has ever Reen, fought two 
hundred battles Mdthout havini^ himself taken a sino^le 
life. The very fact that the difficulties of gaining glory 
through military achievements are now so great, adds 
additional lustre to the fame of those who have won 
renown for brave leadership in battle. General Howard 
at Fair Oaks and Atlanta aSords striking examples of 
dashing bravery carried to the verge of recklessness 
through self-made opportunities. 

The growth of enlightened public opinion and humane 
feelings, which prevent the development of a modern 
Alva, does not render it impossible for a soldier to bo 
also a philanthropist. Of course war itself, considered 
from the highest moral standpoint, is a violation of that 
law of love which the philanthropist instinctively recog- 
nizes and joyfully obeys. But, as Cowper says : 

" Such men are raised to station and command, 
When Providence means mercy to a land. 



8 INTRODUCTION-. 

He speaks, and they appear ; to him they owe 
Skill to direct, and strength to strike the blow ; 
To manage with address, to seize with povrer 
The crisis of a dark decisive hour." 

The defence of the innocent and the oppressed is looked 
upon, in all lands, as the highest privilege of the pure 
and strong. 

Since the introduction of artillery in warfare, the 
actual havoc made on the hostile ranks has ceased to 
bring glory to the soldier. The student of military his- 
tory looks for different elements of greatness in a general 
than mere personal bravery or the fury of destruction. 
Life has become artificial, and every natural quality 
which can be simulated by art has ceased to attract any 
especial attention. Our intellectual civilization will 
deny recognition to the thundering arms of an Ajax, and 
put the laurel crown on the head of a mutilated Nelson. 
The ^diole tendency of the last few centuries has been to 
suppress the personal element in every department of 
life. Manners have felt this depressing weiglit the 
most, and have robbed the world of the charm of a sin- 
cere expression of feeling, which no age or country can 
well afford to lose. Nor has personal courage and 
bravery escaped the newly -introduced influence. To 
judge from the past, it does not seem impossible that 
before long a day will arrive when active courage will 
not be regarded in the light of a merit, as the necessity 
for it slowly disappears. Each age but admires most 
that which it needs. As the true value of life comes to 
be recognized, the reckless exposure of it, which the 
savage possesses in such great abundance, will be de- 
servedly looked upon as a crime. True bravery consists 
in risking one's life in the performance of a duty ; 
throwing it away for any other purpose is self-murder. 



INTRODUCTION. 9 

Public opinion has given unmistakable indication of its 
decision bj refusing to recognize aggressive courage as 
noteworthy unless accompanied by other specially intel- 
lectual gifts. 1^0 historian in these days will give the 
precedence of heroism to one whose sole merit lies in 
slajdng a number of adversaries at a single combat in 
competition wdth one whose skill baffles a stratagem of 
the enemy. Ours is a pre-eminently intellectual age ; 
even the fine arts show the influence of the intellect, 
which seem to have carved the forms of beauty with 
v/hich the centres of civilization are filled out of solid 
blocks of gold. The same intellectual eye regards with 
admiration the moral power in a soldier, his foresight 
and faculty for combination. 

One effect of these forces upon the character of the 
soldier is traceable in the fact that hardly a general of 
any celebrity has been produced since the last years of 
the past century who has not distinguished himself 
also as an administrator. In a marked degree has the 
dual character of soldier and administrator distinguished 
Howard, who, whatever may be the eminence assigned 
to him as a man or as a soldier, is a child of his aoje and 
country, and these general remarks find a good illustra- 
tion in his biography. 



HOWARD: THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 



I. 

Characteristics — Early days and ancestry — His two grandfathers — 
School and home life — Youthful experiences — Engaged to be mar- 
ried — Leaves college — At West Point. 

'^ An indefatigable man" was the remark once made 
by Major J. H. Taylor concerning General Howard — a 
remark which, in the opinion of those who most thor- 
oughly know him, best expresses his leading character- 
istics. 

By nature Impetuous, ardent, and impulsive to a 
degree, he has evolved, through a long course of self -dis- 
cipline, that resultant quality defined by his friend as 
'' indefatigability." His military training was an im- 
portant factor in his work of self-development, and this, 
combined with his inherited religious tendency, enabled 
him, early in his career, to gain an ascendency over him- 
self, which is the secret of his moral influence over 
others. 

Unlike Yicars, whose Christian character Howard 
chose as a model years ago,* he early gave evidence of a 
religious l)ias, and we find him at the age of nine years 



* Hedloy Vicars, of whom Charles Keade wrote : " Here you have 
a fighting saint, a religious red-coat, a man who cuts down a Russian 
with the Gospel of mercy in his mouth." 



13 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 

standing up in a cliiirch-gatliering, to which lie had gono 
alone, and, in response to the usual invitation of the 
leader to hear from any one who had a word, speaking a 
verse from the Bible. It was the admonition, ^' Chil- 
dren, obey your parents, for this is well-pleasing in the 
sight of the Lord." This selection, we may w^ell be- 
lieve, was not due to his own judgment, or chosen with 
any special fitness to the occasion, but seized uj)on at the 
moment because familiar, and perhaps for the reason 
that his mother's teachings had indelibly impressed it 
upon his memory, or perhaps because it referred to chil- 
dren and he wanted to say the suitable thing. The ex- 
citement he labored under caused his limbs to tremble and 
his cheeks to flush ; but he had done his part, and was not 
at all disconcerted that the grave, elderly men about 
observed him in silence. It is not difficult to imagine the 
effect it produced upon them, but the circumstance im- 
pressed itself upon the lad's mind, and was never forgot- 
ten. His desire to do something impelled him to the be- 
lief that the leader wished all to speak who had anything 
to say, and he did so, as unconscious of effect as if 
he had tendered the use of his jack-knife to a companion. 
He went home to his sick father and busy mother, who 
had not noticed his absence, and reported the part he had 
taken in the meeting. His father eyed him curiously, 
and expressed surprise that a little boy should have 
spoken at such a time. The child said he was invited to 
speak ; and the father hesitated to point out to him the 
difference between the literal and the conventional invi- 
tations of people, seeing the happy trast of the lad in the 
matter. He was interrupted in his revery by the ques- 
tion, ^^ Father, do you ever pray?" The sick man 
looked out of the window over the moonlit scene, so 
quiet and restful, a long time ; he could not at once 



HOWAllD : THE CnRISTIAK HERO. 13 

gather strength to conquer the clioking sensation in his 
throat. The sober-looking little boy waited at his side, 
leaning on his arm-chair, and when the sick man said, 
'^ Sometimes, my son ; w^oiild you like to have me 
pray?" he instantly responded, ^' Yes, father." The 
hand of the man held that of the child as they knelt for 
the first time together, and when the simple, earnest 
petition was ended, the boy was sent to bed with his 
father's blessing. A few weeks subsequent to this event 
Mr. Howard died, and the boy never forgot this occur- 
rence. He came to look upon himself as in some way 
responsible for his father's death, and all that related to 
him he naturally remembered vividly. 

On the day tliat Mr. Howard was taken ill young Otis 
had been sent to watch the cattle in a field some distance 
from the house. It was Sunday, and only the most 
urgent work was done on the Sabbath day on that Isew 
England farm ; but there was a field of growing corn, 
and it was important to keep the cattle out of it. The 
lad was sent to guard them while feeding near by, and 
was having a pleasant time with the dogs at play when 
he heai'd his father's voice. It was church time, and he 
knew why he was summoned ; but he did not know 
then that it had been a great exertion for his father to 
make him hear. The wdnd was blowing briskly in an 
opposite dh-ection^ and he strained his lungs in the effort 
he made to be heard over the fields. The family went 
to church, leaving Otis behind, and at noon-time Mr. 
Howard was brouglit home exceedingly ill. "While in 
church a hemorrhage came on, and it was with difficulty 
that the weak man could be removed. The doctor who 
attended him attributed the attack to the violent exer- 
tion he had made that morning. He lived an invalid for 
eight months, and the little boy, who fully realized the 



14 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

cause of his long illness, grieved contritely for liim. To 
Ills motlier he tried, in his childish way, to make atone- 
ment for the loss of his father, and his love for her was 
intensified in consequence. Years afterward he wrote 
these words of him in a story for boys,* which is to some 
extent autobiographical : 

'* Donald now learned about his father's early life : 
how promising a young man he was ; how he was rising 
in the world, when he was obliged to return to his father 
(Donald's grandfather) and to take care of him, as the 
old man had fallen into misfortune and embarrassment ; 
how he had been engaged to the most beautiful of young 
ladies of a high family ; and how, with diminishing 
prospects, his father had offered, in sorrow (so it was 
reported), to break off the engagement ; but that, Kuth- 
like, she was too constant to permit it. Be it teacher, 
merchant, or farmer, with him she had cast her lot. 
They were married. Farmer Woodward, by constant 
labor, always helped by his good wife, had paid up the 
old debts, supported his father all his life, and had now 
a nice farm and property all clear, and some money in 
the bank. How much real poetry there is in almost 
every life, if one could but find it ! These self-denials, 
these unremitting efforts, these thrifty ways, such as 
Farmer Woodward and his wife had followed from day 
to day for years, were a real inheritance, better than 
gold to their children." 

Young Howard's attachment to his mother was not 
only unusual in its strength, but was based on apprecia- 
tion of a real worth. He was thoughtful of her from 
his earliest youth, and now in her ripe old age she re- 
joices in the fulfilment of the promise that " her chih 



* "Donald's Scl;ool-pays.'* 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 15 

dren shall rise up and call lier blessed." lie lias penned 
many beautiful things of that beloved parent and of all 
mothers. These are some of his tributes : 

" She never appeared untidy, even at the hard work 
of cooking. . . . Isn't it wonderful that these mothers 
hold out so long in their ceaseless routine of daily duty ! 
. . . Every afternoon of a week day, when the work 
of the dinner was over, a brief time w^as given to the 
demands of her toilet. Then you would have noticed, 
for a few moments, her woman's adornment — a profuse 
spray of hair, glossy, brown, and flowing to the waist. 
Yery quickly it was rolled and flattened, and became a 
crown to her head, fastened by the high-crested comb. 
She was remarkable for two excellent qualities of mind 
and heart — forethought and self-possession." 

It is pleasant, as well as instructive, to quote what he 
says of her characteristics, for they give his own por- 
trait. "Writing of these early days, he introduces an 
accident which occurred to his brother, and makes this 
allusion to his mother : 

'' The boys used to say, when older, it was almost 
worth while to be hurt or sick to find out mother's real 
heart ; for she seldom at other times used expressions of 
tenderness to her children, not after they had passed 
babyhood. . . . She gives him a fervent kiss — those 
mothers' kisses, what meaning ! how they last !" 

Soliloquizing over the value of this beloved parent, he 
says : 

" Boys do not seem to notice the pains a mother takes 
to show her love for them ; but when years have gone 
by, when the mother's eye is dim with age, and their 
ov,m children are receiving the same attention from 
painstaking, self-denying, tireless mothers, then the old 
picture comes back, and their hearts catch glimpses of 



16 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

real motlier-love, and warm up with grateful affection 
that did not perhaps at the time find any coveted ex- 
pression. ' ' 

And these are his reflections concerning parents' 
counsel and its blessing to the young : 

" If a boy had the power to forecast the future, and 
could look the consequences of his outreachings clearly 
in the face, he might be very content never to roam 
from his father's counsel and his mother's care, and he 
might snuggle down in his soft bed, fully satisfied with 
the present ' well enough. ' ' ' 

The love and sympathy he entertained for his mother, 
greatly strengthened by the feeling that he had been 
instrumental in hastening his father's death, increased 
with years. She v/as equal to any sacrifice for her chil- 
dren, and self-denying to a degree, while just to herself 
in her government of them. She would walk a m.ile in 
the deep snow to carry him a message which it was im- 
portant he should know, but would require the perform 
ance of the more trifling duty with rigid determina- 
tion. Her children's education was her first ambition, 
and she almost overvalued a college traiuing. She 
willingly saved and denied herself that her sons might 
have the advantages she wished for them. The ambition 
of her boy gave her infinite pleasure, and she heartily 
sympathized with him in his decided disinclination to 
take up farm-work for his livelihood. Where a mother 
wills she usually wins, and the clear-headed Mrs. Howard 
had a well-balanced character, which sustained her in 
this as in all other duties, however difficult and long- 
continued. It accordingly pleased her to hear the lad 
discuss plans and project ways and methods of raising 
himself to a different sphere of life beyond the severe 
and unremunerative occupation of a farmer. Once he 



HOWARD ; THE CHRISTIAIT HERO. 17 

retnrned from a Foiirtli-of-Julj celebration full of the 
desire to be an orator ; mounting a cliair in his enthusi- 
asm, he repeated the words and imitated the gestures of 
the speaker of the day, while his mother listened in 
silence, mentally resolving that Otis should have all the 
advantages she could secure for him. 

There were elements, she saw, of a good and use- 
ful man in him ; his pedigree was unexceptionable, and 
his inheritance of blood, brains, and purpose ought to 
insure success. After years proved the correctness of 
her judgment. 

The Howards were an English family settled at 
Bridgewater, in Massachusetts, where they remained for 
several generations. When the Revolutionary "War 
broke out Seth Howard, the head of the family then, 
went into the army with the rank of captain, leaving to 
his youngest son the care of the farm, where he resided 
with his mother. Tliis youngest son, also Seth Howard, 
was the grandfather of the subject of this biography. 
During the latter part of the war the son joined the 
father in the army, and saw service in the field. 

Seth Howard the younger, many years after this 
time, removed from Massachusetts to Leeds, Kennebec, 
now Androscoggin County, Maine. He w^as a man of 
family, and when he made this change of homes his son, 
Rowland Bailey, the father of General Howard, was 
ten years of age. Seth Howard was a noble specimen 
of manhood, who commenced life with no other fortune 
than his character. His was a generous, convivial 
nature, fond of life and his fellow-creatures, and full of 
hope and good cheer. He built himself a granite house 
at Leeds, solid and substantial, like himself, and owner 
and house were known far and wide. The name '^ Seth 
Howard " was carved around the border of its ample 



18 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

hall, and its tliick walls were reared to stand for years to 
come. It was a spacious dwelling in its day, and long 
remained an imposing reminder of its owner. 

Mrs. Howard, his wife, was a daughter of Dr. Eow- 
land Bailey, of New York, and their family consisted of 
nine children, the youngest of whom, Kowland Bailey, 
was, as we have said, the father of General Howard. 
This young man had for his inheritance a delicate consti- 
tution, and he appears to have been the bearer of heavy 
family burdens from his early manhood. During the 
latter part of Seth Howard's Hfe he became embarrassed, 
and upon this son, who had gone out into the world to 
care for himself, devolved the burden of his relief. 

The worldly ambitions which he very naturally enter- 
tained were blighted by the heavy pecuniary cares that 
were upon him, and when he married his first love it was 
to take her to the old farm, where he was struggling to 
free himself from debt. His bride, Eliza Otis, was the 
daughter of Oliver Otis, of Scituate, Mass. Mr. Otis 
was a rich farmer, and as remarkable in physical appear- 
ance as Seth Howard. He was a man of fine ability, 
and possessed of those sterling qualities which secured 
for him the respect and affection of his neighbors. 

Of this grandfather, his namesake says : '^ He was 
one of I^ew England's sturdy sons, who in his youth 
started out, with a strong body, a stout heart, and an axe 
on his shoulder, almost penniless, to hew his way to fort- 
une. ' ' The sum of his earthly wealth was five dollars and 
his useful axe. In those days woodmen were very essen- 
tial members of a community, and Mr. Otis had no diffi- 
culty in making a start in the world. He became a wealthy 
and influential citizen, and lived to see the second genera 
tion of his name rejoice in his presence and prosperity. 

The young couple had many tastes in common, and 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 19 

both were refined and ambitious. Mrs. Howard was a 
self-educated woman, for schools were not always con- 
venient for farmers' daughters, and in her early woman- 
hood she taught school ; she was unusually well-read, 
and possessed a strong liking for art, poetry, and music. 
Her husband shared with her in these likings, and the 
two were exceedingly happy in their marriage, though 
both would have preferred to have had less hard work 
of an uncongenial kind. They were young, and she 
was stroDg, and regrets and repinings were not in- 
dulged in by the young wife. Each had the other 
and a home, and with her coming to gladden his life 
with her presence came also the certainty of a com- 
petency in time. At her father's death Mrs. Howard 
inherited a comfortable fortune. The issue of this mar- 
riage were three sons, the eldest of whom is Oliver Otis, 
born on his maternal grandfather's sixty-second birthday, 
and named for him. The two younger brothers of Gen- 
eral Howard were as well educated as he, and both were 
graduates of Bowdoin College. Rowland Bailey, the 
second son, became a lawyer, and afterward left the 
profession to enter the ministry. Charles H., the 
youngest, who was studying for the ministry when the 
war broke out, enlisted in the Third Maine Regiment (his 
brother's) as a private, and was promoted through every 
grade to be a colonel and brevet brigadier-general. Rev. 
Rowland B. Howard is at present secretary of the Peace 
Commission, while Charles Howard has lately been the 
editor of the Chicago Advance, the Congregational 
organ for the West. He was at one time secretary of 
the Western branch of the American Missionary Associa- 
tion ; during the existence of the Freedmen's Bureau he 
w^as an inspector of a large district, and subsequently in- 
spector of Indian affairs. All of the children of this 



20 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAlSr HERO. 

exemplary and wise mother liave been useful and earnest 
Christian men, and the meed of her ambition has been 
thrice fulfilled in their careers. 

While Oliver (called Otis at home) v/as yet a little 
child his grandfather, Seth Howard, came to live with 
his son Eowland, and the fondness of the lad for his 
grandfather and of the latter for him was equally strong. 
There was no pleasure of his childhood keener than that 
experienced when running by the side of the old gentle- 
man, talking to him, as the man, forgetful of the strain 
he was putting upon the baby body, strode along at a 
gait few grown-up boys cared to accompany, or in sitting 
on his knee in the evening listening to his entertaining 
stories. The lad was encouraged to be industrious and 
energetic, and he endeavored in many ways to secure his 
grandfather's approbation by doing tasks deemxcd diffi- 
cult by his elders. He was healthy and strong, and not 
infrequently made trouble for himself by attempts at 

^ feats of endurance to which he was unequal. His idea 
of manliness was to do a man's work, and as he grew up 

' he was intrusted with many responsibihties at times. One 
of his early boyish duties, commenced when he was 
only eight years old, was to go to school at sunrise and- 
build the fire, and this journey was often made through 
deep snow. The large boys took turns in this work, and 
Otis was ambitious to be looked upon as one of them. 

' They permitted it, and, his mother consenting, he was as 
prompt as they in his work. Active even to restlessness, 
he was always doing something, and executiveness and 
conscientiousness marked all he attempted. He was 
persistent, too, and determined in his efforts to accom- 
plish anything he undertook. His lack of mechanical 
skill was conspicuous, though he could not be convinced 

\ of the fact. If he took a fancy that he should like a 



HOWAED : THE CHRISTIAN" HEllO. ^1 

box or a sled, lie would set about its construction with a 
zeal that lield out unflaggingly to the end. Persistently 
lie would hainnier until the nerves of the household 
were irritated, and advice would be given him to desist. 
It was idle, however, to try to persuade him to stop until 
he had completed his work ; he would move his base of 
operations, and go on carpentering until his sled was 
ready for use. 

This want of the mechanical faculty was felt at West 
Point, where he had much difficulty ^vith drawing, a 
study in which his standing was very low for the first 
year. By bird effort he attained that excellence which 
enabled him to lift his standing from thirty-four to nine, 
which was his highest rank in that study. 

Mrs. liov/ard was a good musician, and accompanied 
her children on Sunday evenings in their singing of 
hymns. This was the one evening of entire leisure for 
all the household at the farm, and it was observed in 
this pleasantest of ways. The memory of the hour of 
song lives Vvdth the man to-day, and he was musing over 
them when he wrote : 

'' It is a sweet picture in the memory to after years. 
Possibly, with softer harmonies and more real music, the 
same group may occupy and thrill the rooms and hall of 
an upper mansion, already preparing, as one after another 
is entering the gates. ... In the mother's heart these 
Sunday evening scenes dwell, though the husband and 
father has ceased from his earthly work, and the boys 
have grown up and gone forth to bear their part in the 
great world's battle." 

A circumstance that will partly explain General How- 
ard's unusual interest in colored people, apart from his (^ 
convictions on the subject of slavery, was this : When 
he was a lad of 'five years his father, out of compassion, 



22 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 

took charge of a colored boy of se^en, who lived for 
many years an inmate of the house. The family had no 
race prejudice, and the waif who had come among them 
to be sheltered and cared for was a bright, intelligent 
child, whose sunny nature and happiness in his new 
home made him a favorite with the family. The 
farmers of New England had no servants, and the boy 
was never looked upon as a menial. He was the associ- 
ate of the sons, and w^as treated by Mr. Howard with 
kindness and consideration. Young Otis, who was 
nearer this boy's age than either of his brothers, was 
constantly with him in play and in the work which all 
lads perform about a farmhouse. The example of 
benevolence set by his parents in taking this homeless 
child, their kind treatment of him, and the responsibility 
they felt in his training — all made an impression never to 
be effaced on the mind of the little boy whose name in 
after years was to become so prominently identified with 
the colored race. Perhaps this accounts for the inability 
always shown by General Howard to understand why 
the color of a man's skin should be the impassable barrier 
to advancement and the cause of ostracism from all asso.- 
ciation with the dominant race. During the war, when 
race-enmity was at its height, he was perhaps the most 
peculiar man in the army in this respect. He treated 
white and black alike, and was able to estimate good quali- 
ties at their true value, whether found under the white 
or the black skin. Yery recently General Howard, in 
replying to a question as to his abolition feelings, said he 
did not know in slavery days that he was an extremist ; 
he had been taught to respect all who were deserving of 
it, and had never heard a reservation made in the case of 
the colored people. He simply acted upon the teachings 
of his mother and father, and was surprised sometimes 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 23 

to see how miicli more liberal and truly democratic had 
been his training than that of many of his friends and 
associates. But he was personally very benevolent, and 
his freedom from prejudice was due largely to his 
humanitarian and catholic spirit. Ilis natural ten- 
dency toward active benevolence, which is one of his 
most marked traits, was early exhibited. Though pos- 
sessed of a quick temper, he was always one of the first 
to show a friendly spirit, and if any one loved him he 
returned the feeling tenfold. Kind, tolerant, and sin- 
cere as a lad, the child is the father of the man in these 
his strongest characteristics. 

After the death of his father he was a help and com- 
fort to his mother, who for a time remained on the farm, 
managing it and caring for her children. Young Otis 
went to a school in- the neighborhood until he was old 
enough to go to the academy at Hallowell. Then he 
left home to live in the house of his uncle, the Hon. 
John Otis, a Member of Congress, and a man of liberal 
culture. Here he earned his board by doing the chores 
about the place and taking care of the family hcrse and 
cow. His aunt was a woman of so much gentleness and 
sweetness of disposition that he loved her ardently, and 
her influence over him at this formative period of his 
life was invaluable. For two years he remained there, 
and w^as improved in all ways, by his studies and the 
associations of his religious life. His aunt and cousins 
were constant in their attendance at church, and he was 
their companion at prayer-meetings, church-gatherings, 
and social entertainments. 

The winter months were spent at home with his 
mother and brothers, and there he attended a country 
school with his brother. The mother was ever glad to 
have him with her, for his hands w^ere always wilhng, so 



24 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

that he was a helpful member of the family. The 
genuine goodness of the boy was constantly attested in 
many ways, and wherever he could be doing he was 
active. His energy sometimes tired less restive people, 
but he was tractable, and could be controlled by kindness. 
The transparent nature was open to all, and, child and 
man, he has been easy to read, because there was nothing 
to conceal. His characteristic promptness in any act of 
kindness was a lovable trait in him. Swift to do a good 
turn, he did it with such unaffected heartiness that it was 
a pleasure to receive a service at his hands. When he 
first went to Hallo well to school, a speaker of the Sab- 
bath-school which he had just joined asked the scholars 
for contributions to purchase a Bible for a family in the 
neighborhood who had none and were not able to buy. 
'^o sooner had young Howard heard the request than he 
ran instantly home, secured his Bible, and hastened back 
to the church. On the way he met the speaker, and 
handed his treasure to him to give to the needy family. 
The earnest request had, no doubt, made as great an im- 
pression upon others who heard it, but no one else had 
felt the appeal to be so directly personal. To have kept 
his Bible under the circumstances would have been im- 
possible, and to have delayed in giving it almost as great 
a trial as not to have given it at all. 

Mrs. Howard, some years after the death of her hus- 
band, was married to Colonel John Gilmore, three 
of whose children became members of her house- 
hold. Colonel Gilmore was a kind husband and step- 
father, and was greatly beloved by the fatherless 
boys. The family continued to reside on the Howard 
farm, where the youngest son of Colonel Gilmore by the 
first wife still abides. The only child born of this union 
was a son, Eodolphus Howard Gilmore, who is now a 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAiq- HERO. 25 

prominent lawyer and member of the Legislature in 
Denver, Col. From Ilallowell young Howard went to 
Monmouth Academy, where he studied a year, and at 
the age of fom-teen he entered Yarmouth Academy, 
where he was fitted for college. At both of these schools 
he studied very hard, and in the term intervals attended 
the district school near his home. He had made such a 
good record for himself wliile with his uncle at Hallowell 
that his mother was entirely confirmed in her purpose of 
giving him a college education, and his example stimu- 
lated his younger brothers to work in the same direction. 
Otis always looked beyond farm work, though he did 
much of it when at home in the vacations, up to the time 
that he began to teach, and his mother, who had never 
ceased to regret that circumstances had compelled his 
father to spend his life on a farm, when his education and 
abilities fitted him to work to better purpose in another 
pursuit, furthered his wishes in relieving him of this re- 
sponsibility. After her marriage there was less necessity 
for him to do so, as Colonel Gilmore took charge of 
the agricultural labor. The family were well oft, but 
lived economically, so far as mere outlay was concerned. 
They spent little, and the boys were taught to practise 
frugality as a Christian virtue and most essential duty. 
If young Howard owed to his parents no other gratitude, 
he cannot in this life repay them for the great boon they 
conferred in teaching him the value of money and how 
to use it rightly. 

Having no expensive habits at any time in his career, 
neither smoking, drinking, playing cards, nor gambling 
in any form, his has been a fortunate life in respect to 
pecuniary matters. He has prayed that prayer which 
asks ^^ neither poverty nor riches, but food convenient 
for him," and has lived for the most part untrammelled 



V 



36 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN- HERO. 

by debt or monetary anxiety. He lost the savings of 
years in "Washington, from a twofold cause : the depreci- 
ation of m.ortgaged property and the expenses of legal 
counsel, but was able to live, as before, upon his pay as 
an army officer and what he earned by his pen, without 
incurring indebtedness. 

While at Yarmouth Academy young Howard, by dint 
of hard work, completed a two years' course in one, 
and entered Bowdoin College just before the age of 
sixteen. 

When on his way to college the first term, in company 
with a fellow-student, they stopped at a wayside inn for 
refreshments, and while waiting for their food his young 
companion invited him to the bar, and proposed a drink. 
Howard declined and kept his seat at the fire. His 
friend urged him, saying that it would refresh him, and 
then justified his own conduct in so doing with the 
excuse that all great men drank. Neither Daniel Webster 
nor Henry Clay shunned the pleasures of the bottle, 
he asserted, and he could see no reason why they should. 
''I prefer, then, not to be a great man," was young 
Howard's reply, and his friend took his drink alone. It 
is a sad commentary on the example set by these and 
other brilliant men then in the height of their great pop- 
ularity, to add tliat this young lad died a drunkard. 

Howard passed through his first term at Bowdoin, and 
'then tried to get a country school during the winter 
months. He was refused the position he sought because 
of his youthful appearance. The winter was passed at 
home, and it was during this vacation, while on a visit to 
a classmate residing at Livermore, that he met at a social 
gathering the young girl — Miss Elizabeth A. Waite — who 
afterward became his wife. She was a daughter of 
Alexander B. Waite, a business man of Portland, and 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 37 

was an only cliild. Howard was sixteen and she four- 
teen years of age, lier birthday occnrring on the 4th and 
his on the 8th of November. It was a case of mutual at- 
traction, and though the course of true love did not run 
perfectly smooth, their affection never abated, and they 
were true to their girl and boy fancy for each other. 
This absorbing affection was the most fortunate of bless- 
ings for the young man, since it settled his mind and in 
time influenced and colored his every step. The young 
people became engaged while he was at college, where 
he studied hard and continued uninterruptedly until the 
first term of the senior year, when he remained away in 
order to teach in a high school and earn the necessary 
means to pay for the final term. His studies were kept 
up, and he was graduated well in his class. 

"While at college he had an experience of a social na- i^ 
ture that confirmed him for life in his temperance prin- 
ciples. He was mistaken for another college student who 
was seen intoxicated, and his aflfianced, whose family 
were strict temperance people, refused to see him again. 
Her relatives had met a young man driving furiously 
along the road, in company with a fellow-student, and 
were quite positive that it was he, so that there was noth- 
ing for the unhappy girl to do but to give him up. The 
young man did not know what had caused the change 
in the sentiments of the young lady, and for weary 
months there was no communication between them. 
Howard's room-mate, long after this occurrence, 
learned of the great injustice that had been done his 
friend, and was instrumental in bringing about a recon- 
ciliation. 

This was not the only trial that the dissipated habits 
of college friends cost him, but it was by far the most 
serious, and it made him less lenient to this vice than 



^8 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

before and more zealous in his efforts to save his friends 
from its soul-destroying and easily-acquired habit. 

We have seen that he was an abolitionist by instinct, 
and from his boyhood expressed himself fearlessly on the 
subject of slavery. 'No one at all acquainted with him 
was left in doubt as to where he stood on the then lead- 
ing issue of the day. In a graduating oration which he 
imputed to another,'^ he had something to say regarding 
the hated institution, and used these flowery phrases in 
discussing it : 

'' As sure, Mr. President, as the fact that the sun rose 
this morning and will set this evening — as sure as the 
fact that the moon and the stars are swinging in space 
and jDerforming their appointed motions — as sure as 
there is a power behind these motions — the power of the 
one omnipotent Being who made all things, and who 
sustains all — so stire is God's work among the moral 
forces in men's souls ! By His silent, mighty working, 
Slavery^ the hideous monster, is doomed !. You and I, 
sir, will live to see the flag of Universal Freedom waving 
in our clear sky, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. ' ' 

He was at this time much exercised about what he 
should do as a present means of livelihood and future 
employment ; he wavered between the law and medi- 
cine. Both presented an almost insurmountable obstacle 
— that of expense. He could not well ask his mother 
to devote more of her means to his education. How 
should he manage to secure professional training ? 
About this time in his career he became much inter- 
ested in religion, though he did not then publicly 
manifest feeling on the subject. His associations were 
mainly with people of orthodox views, and all his 



* «' Donald's School-Days." 



HOWARD : THE CHMSTIAN HERO. 29 

real friends were clmrcli-goers and Bible-readers. He 
had noticed tliat the true Christian life was full of unsel- 
fishness ; that the friendship of Christians was a constant 
absorbing and heart-uplifting interest, and he was in 
sympathy with their aims and ideals. He says, in one 
of his early letters: ^^ Christians seem like brothers. " 
But now he would doubtless have studied for and entered 
the profession of the law, his inclinations leading him in 
that direction and his respect and admiration for the pro- 
fession being very strong, had not an opportunity pre- 
sented itself for an education of a wholly different nature. 
The ministry in New England, from the earliest times, 
has been universally honored, and the minister was by 
far the most important personage in the place in w^hich 
he lived. He was consulted on all occasions, in sickness 
and in health. His presence at weddings, feastings, and 
family gatherings secured for him all the success desired, 
and his opinion on any subject was authority. 

Young Howard, studying and probii^ his own heart 
to see what would be his life-work, turned over in his 
own mind all the advantages for doing good which the 
ministry presented. He wanted to be useful, to influ- 
ence men to lead ennobling lives, so that he thought not 
a little of the Christian ministry. But at this time ho 
was not a member of the church, so he gave the balance 
weight to the law ; nor had any but his own family any 
idea of his plans and hopes. The gift from his uncle of 
a cadetship at West Point decided his career and made 
him a soldier of the army, as well as subsequently of the 
Cross. 

Hon. John Otis, who, as a member of Congress, had a 
cadetship appointment, gave it to his own son. The 
lad failed to pass the medical examination, and the 
father then offered it to his favorite nephew. It opened 



30 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 

the way to a career for joiing Howard, and lie saw in it, 
if lie succeeded, four years of study and a livelihood, if 
he followed a soldier's calling. It was a great relief to 
him to be independent of bis mother's help. The family 
property would bear no division, and his younger 
brothers were yet to be educated. School-teaching 
offered but a poor inducement to an ambitious young 
man who was engaged to be married and was anxious to 
begin work in some permanent pursuit. Self-reliant and 
physically strong, he felt prepared to enter the military 
academy, the more especially as he had a talent for 
mathematics, the crucial study of the institution. 

Then, too, the stories of his grandfather, Seth How- 
ard, who had been, as we have seen, a soldier of the 
Hevolution, had fired the imagination of the lad. He 
now recalled anew the reminiscences of the old man, 
who had also fought in the later Indian wars, and pict- 
Tii'ed thrilling scenes of adventure and hairbreadth escapes 
to the eager listeners about the farmhouse fireside. 

The bias in favor of a soldier's life given the youth by 
his grandfather's evening chats was not fully realized by 
him until the way was opened to pursue the same call- 
ing* He was at his uncle's house w^hen the offer of the 
appointment was received, and was so overjoyed with his 
good fortune that he could scarcely wait for his mother's 
consent before sending his acceptance. This was rather 
reluctantly given, and he spent the intervening weeks in 
reviewing his studies and preparing for the examination. 
His cousin's preliminary trial had taken place in June, 
and his own was for the fall. He went to "West Point 
the last of August, passed the initial examination, and 
was enrolled as a cadet in September, 1850. The follow- 
ing November he w^as twenty years old. 

The career he had now entered upon had a marked 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIANS" HERO. 31 

effect upon Cadet Howard. He soon learned at tlie 
academy system and order practically, as well as tlieoret- 
ically. He encountered rivalry, and measured his abilities 
with those of other young men who had been trained, 
as he had been, in the best schools of the land. Among 
his classmates for four years were G. W. Custis Lee, 
H. L. Abbott, Thomas H. Ruger, John Pegrani, J. E. B. 
Stuart, and many others whose names are identified with 
the Civil War. 

To a youth of Howard's temperament and religious 
tendency West Point was not a place where a pleasant 
time might be expected. The minority among the 
cadets were church-members, and few w^ere interested in 
matters outside of their present duties and future pros- 
pects as army officers. The subject of slavery was then 
being agitated in every part of the Union, and the 
cadets, hailing from the several sections of the country, 
had much to say on this topic. The larger number of 
them from the Southern, Middle, and South-western 
States were hostile to the Northern sentiment on the 
slavery question, and a JjJew Englander who had very 
pronounced views either kept his sentiments private or 
w^as at once at enmity with the extremists on the other 
side. Howard almost immediately elicited bitter and 
persistent hostility, and during his whole coui-se suffered 
from this cause. His quick temper was a great trial to 
him, and it w^as with difficulty that he held himself in 
check when annoyed by remarks or unjustly treated on 
parade. None but one who has been a cadet can under- 
stand the difficulties of such a position. He was free- 
spoken and independent, and naturally smarted greatly 
under the unmerited situation in which, after a time, he 
found himself. His comrades will remember the spirited 
and sometimes bloody contests that grew out of these 



32 HOWARD : THE CHIIISTIAK HERO. 

things ; blows were the frequent results of their dis- 
putes, for Howard was always too ready to fight. Had 
blows decided the right of the quarrels he would have 
triumphed in the majority of cases, because his lusty 
vigor was such that few could overcome in single combat. 
In his stndies he did well from the start, and had it not 
been for an extreme political and religious sentiment 
imputed to him, he w^ould have had nothing to mar the 
pleasant student life. He was marked at guard -mount- 
ing and parades constantly by the cadets who were liis 
enemies, and his demerit marks, due to fights, affected 
his general standing, as did also absence from the class- 
room caused by injuries received. 

Once there was a bloody struggle, and the yonng man 
received from another cadet wounds that laid him np for 
many days, and have troubled him through life. Injury 
due to another cause also cost him much valua])le time. 
While practising in the gymnasium one day the hori- 
zontal bar turned under his legs, and he came to the 
ground, cutting his scalp severely ; erysipelas set in, and 
he was dangerously ill. To the tender care of Dr. 
Cuyler, the surgeon, who nursed him through his long 
illness, he always attributed his recovery. 

Notwithstanding the loss of many weeks from study, 
he came out, the first year, at tlie head of his class. 
Mathematics was his forte, and in that study he gradu- 
ated ahead of all. His final rank in all studies, conduct 
included, was fourth in a class that entered one hundred 
and twenty, and graduated thirty-six of the original 
members. George Washington Custis Lee stood at the 
head, and in one of General Robert E. Lee's letters to his 
sons he makes mention of Howard, and advises his son to 
look out for him. Abbott came second, Ruger gained 
the third rank, and Howard, who ranked the three in 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN- HERO. 33 

the test study at West Point, stood fourth. Chiefly his 
conduct marks pulled him down to this figure, and it 
was no fault of his enemies that he was not farther from 
the head of the list. 

Had young Howard's temperance views been as pro- 
nounced as his conclusions regarding slavery, he would 
have fared even worse than he did at the hands of his 
opponents ; but he did not then hold as extreme opinions 
as he afterward entertained. However, he ^^^ssed 
through his four years' course at "West Point, as he had 
done his college course, without acquiring the habit of 
tippling. After he entered the army he occasionally 
drank socially with his brother-officers, but this custom 
was cut short by an occurrence which led him to see the 
dangers of even moderate dissipation. 

At that time the question of temperance had not 
grown to be of the importance it is now ; the all-engross- 
ing slavery agitation overshadowed every other, and the 
Church exhibited a strange lukewarmness on this subject. 
A few years later it was the reform advocated by a small 
party, but it was not until about the close of the war 
that it developed into a live issue in church circles. As 
yet it is not a political one, though it is undoubtedly des- 
tined to be such in the future. 

While a cadet Howard was a regular attendant at 
the chapel and the Bible-class, and was constant in 
his outward observances of religion. It was second^ 
nature to him to keep the Sabbath day, to refrain front- 
profanity, to read his Bible daily, and to try to keep the 
commandments. His mother had trained him to be 
punctual in prayer, and he was sincere in his desire to 
be a good man. Up to this time he had not decided to 
associate himself with the Church, but his mind was 
often intent upon the thoughts that grew out of his 



34 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

position, as a seeker after religion. Had lie met with no 
opposition, his -might have been a merely formal adhesion 
to matters relating to the higher life ; but he suffered, 
and tlie conflict made him strong and determined in this 
direction. He had aroused some feeling by joining 
the Bible-class conducted by Professor Sprole (the pro- 
fessor of English studies, and chaplain), and he had been 
accused of selfish motives in so doing. It was said that 
he had taken the step in order to curry favor with the 
authorities ; but ho persisted in his course, and soon his 
enemies added to the name of '^ abolitionist" other 
sobriquets. The first time he walked from barracks to 
the Bible-class meeting, with his Bible in his hand, 
under the eyes of many of his fellow-students, it re- 
quired an amount of moral courage not always forthcom- 
ing in a young man. The habit once established, the 
way was easier for him, and the cowardly impulse to 
stay away from the class never assailed him after the 
first hard step had been taken. 

From AVest Point he went back to the loving house- 
hold awaiting him at the farm, and the summer months 
w^ere spent in pleasure-taking. He was happy in his 
success and in the prospect of his early union with the 
sweet girl who had been so loyal to him through all the 
years of waiting. In September he was ordered to his 
first post, and it was understood between them that the 
wedding should not be long delayed after he had settled 
himself in his new quarters. His mother's happiness 
was secured in his, and he enjoyed the satisfaction of 
knowing that he w^as approved' not only by her, but by 
all his kindred, and as v/ell by the parents of the young 
lady whose future was to be associated with his. Behind 
him were the trials he had known at West Point, and if 
he thought of them, it was to remember that he had 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 35 

overcome much of tlie hostility so freely lavished upon 
him in the beginning, and had well sustained a part in 
the drama of cadet life now ended forever, and ended, 
so far as he was concerned, with credit and honor, and 
with kindly feelings toward all his classmates. 



II. 



Military career— First stations— In tlie Florida war—Becomes a pro- 
fessing Christian — A temperance sermon — Influence with soldiers 
—About the Master's work — Keturns to West Point — Diary and 
letters. 

Howard's military career presents a distinct line of 
cleavage. From the period of his first entrance into 
military life to the breaking out of the Civil War forms 
the first 2)art. The second commences when he was 
appointed to the command of a regiment of volunteers 
by Governor Washburn e, of Maine. The first part, 
although marked by dihgent and useful service, was 
only a preparation for the new field 023ened up by the 
war. 

Watervliet, West Troy, N. Y., was the first station 
to which he was ordered after his graduation at the 
military academy. After the discipline of the four 
years' espionage at West Point, the young army oflicer 
naturally enjoyed his newly-gained liberties, and in the 
refined charms of the social life of Troy and Albany, 
Howard, in common with the young officers of the post, 
found congenial associates in the family circle of Major 
Symington, the commanding officer of the Arsenal, 
which received constant enlivening re-enforcements from 
social representatives of other cities, to whom the gaye- 
ties of an army post afforded many attractions. New 
interests clustered around his life when, in February, 
1855, he brought his bride into these connections. His 
*^ brevet" was ended the day after the wedding, so that he 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAiq- HERO. 37 

was a full second lieutenant when he returned from his 
twenty days' leave, during which he went to Maine to 
wed his early love, Howard's marriage made his hap- 
piness complete ; he was not then, or at any time in hisl 
life, over-fond of social gayeties, and his idea of domes- 
tic happiness was fully shared by his wife. The young 
couple were welcomed to the circle of army people at the 
post, and were soon fairly settled at the Arsenal. Mrs. 
Howard was a woman of much personal beauty, and 
possessed those characteristics which added refinement 
and expression to her features as time passed away. In 
temperament she was the counterpart and opposite of 
her husband. Quiet and reserved, her influence has 
been a beneficent one in his life, and no man ever was 
blessed with a friend stancher and steadier than she. 

Yery soon after their marriage Lieutenant Howard 
was ordered to Kennebec Arsenal, Me. This indepen- 
dent command, w^hich every ordnance ofiicer looked upon 
as among the best stations, was a promotion which he 
did not expect, and the compliment paid him by Colonel 
Craig, the chief of the Ordnance Department, was a 
pleasant one to accept. Some of his fellow-oflicers slyly 
hinted that he owed it not to his own merits, but to the 
charming little woman who made his house so delightful 
to the old gentleman (Colonel Craig) when on his tour 
of inspection. Doubtless the elderly officer was pleased 
with the young couple whose hospitality he had enjoyed 
and very likely thought to make her happy by sending 
her husband to a higher command. The change of 
quarters took her nearer home, and that was an added 
pleasure. The attractions of Kennebec were many, and 
the station afforded special advantages to Lieutenant 
Howard, in enabling him to fully master tlie duties of a 
quartermaster and commissary. While stationed there 



38 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAI^- HERO. 

he perseveringly worked in the interests of others, and 
made constant representations to the Maine Legislature, 
Bitting on the opposite side of the river from the Arsenal, 
till that body passed a law allowing the soldiers' children 
living on United States grounds to have the free benefit 
of the public schools within reach. He became a father 
before he left this j^ost, and very naturally took an inter- 
est in children and their welfare. The well-being of 
soldiers' children has always concerned him seriously. 
At Kennebec were formed many friendships destined to 
be permanent. Here he found the Blaines, the Williams 
(General Seth Williams's father's family), the Mullikins, 
the Childs, the Wainwrights, the Tappans, the Webbs, 
the Lamberts, and other prominent families, with which 
he has been more or less connected ever since. It was 
thought at Washington, at the end of the year, that 
Lieutenant Howard had long enough exercised, with his 
small rank, this command, and he was relieved by Cap- 
tain Gorgas (who afterward became the chief of ordnance 
to the South), and returned to Watervliet, where he 
established himself with the expectation of staying for 
some time. 

The little home was reorganized at the Arsenal, and the 
family circle was enlarged by the addition of the mother 
of Mrs. Howard, who in her widowhood had come to 
live with her daughter, and Rowland Howard, who was 
then studying at the Albany Law School. With the 
expectation of long remaining there the Howards fixed 
tliemselves in comfort, and had every reasonable wish 
gratified in their surroundings. The young couple, in 
accordance with an agreement made betv/een them at 
the outset, had a Bible-reading every morning, and were 
regular in their attendance at church. They were not 
members of the church at this time, but were desir- 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 39 

able additions to the cluircli society, and were practising 
if not professing Christians. 

Hardly a year had passed wlien, in December (185G), 
Lieutenant Howard unexpectedly received an order to 
report to the then famous General Harney, who was 
commanding the Department of Florida, in the field 
against the last remnant of the once powerful Seminoles. 
These Indians were remarkable for their dexterity in 
ambush and for their wholesale massacres, as the monu- 
ment to Major Dade and his companions -in-arms, erected 
at "West Point, attests. 

The young wife for the first time realized that she had 
married a soldier. Her anticipations of home-life were 
rudely destroyed, and she saw the household articles 
which she had so leisurely and carefully selected dis- 
persed, the pretty phaeton and pony sold, the home 
broken up, and the prospect of a long separation from 
her husband before her. It was decided that she should 
return with her mother to Maine, while Lieutenant 
Howard turned his face southward. The wife's unhap- 
piness was not decreased by the thought of the climate 
and the enemy her husband was to be exposed to, 
and the day of his departure was saddened by the 
heavy snow-storm that raged fiercely around. It was his 
first separation from his wife, and it was a trial severer 
than he had realized until it had to be met. The con- 
tending emotions of a husband and father were traced 
on his face. He could not bear to go, and when all was 
ready for the final leave-taking he did not meet it until, 
for the first time at the Bible-reading, he had dropped 
on his knees and offered a prayer for strength and resig- 
nation. He commended his dear ones to his Heavenly 
Father, and asked that they might be kept in safety and 
happiness while he was away. When he had done so he 



40 HOWAED : THE christia:n^ hero. 

was more composed, and took Lis farewell of wife and 
mother, cliild and brother. 

Howard had a position well suited to him in Florida ; 
he was cliief of ordnance, and gained much military ex- 
perience in preparing volunteers, whom he had to supply 
with arms. While stationed at Fort Brooke, near 
Tampa Bay, he was thrown in with a circle of young 
officers, the majority of whom have attained celebrity in 
their country's service. He met his old classmate, 
Greble, there, whose untimely death prevented the ful- 
filment of his early promises ; he was the first regular 
ofiicer who fell in the war. There were also Hazzai'd, 
mortally wounded before Eichmond ; R. B. Marcy, 
whose daughter married General JVlcClellan ; Stephen 
D. Lee, subsequently lieutenant-general in the Southern 
army ; Pleasanton, afterward the great cavalry ofiicer of 
the North ; Dana, Mack, Kilburne, Hancock, and many 
others whose names became celebrated in various ways 
during the Civil War. 

The result of Colonel Loomis's activities was a camp 
of Indian captives, poor, forlorn, discouraged, unkempt, 
and half clad. In course of these operations a company 
of volunteers had chased and brutally treated a number 
of Indian women and children, scattering them in the 
wilderness, after killing and wounding several. Colonel 
Loomxis, anxious to avoid further bloodshed, deputed 
Lieutenant Howard to take with him a captive Indian 
woman and an interpreter, and attempt to get these 
to return without any further fighting. Howard gladly 
undertook the task assigned to him, and though not 
crowned with complete success, the persistent effort gave 
satisfaction to his chief. It is an evidence of the confi- 
dence he had inspired that he, so young an officer, 
should have been chosen for such a mission. Thus early 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAlfT HERO. 41 

he began his dual work as soldier and administrator, the 
latter character best according with his nature. His 
ideal work is that of a peace mission ; he behoves in j 
'' nine parts for love to one for force." | 

How few people remark what great changes come over ' 
the course of their lives from circumstances which usually 
escape notice by their insignificance ! How often do we 
find one's whole life colored by what would be con- 
sidered an accident ! But, as Disraeli remarks, with his 
characteristic shrewdness, '' Life itself is made up of 
accidents." There is no feature in General Howard's 
later life which is so peculiarly marked as Iiis piety ; 
tracing back its course, we find its origin, which seems to 
be strikingly out of proportion with the effects ]3roduced. 
One day the new commandant, who was a Presby- 
terian of the olden type, handed Lieutenant Howard some 
religious books, with the "remark : " You are of an 
inquiring mind ; read these ; they will help you." 
Coupled with these books the lieutenant had another, 
which his brother had sent to him. He read them all, 
and was particularly influenced by his brother's gift, 
which was the life of Captain Hedley Yicars, of the 
British army. 

Previous to this time he had constantly attended the 
Methodist, the only active church near Fort Brooke, 
and on one occasion publicly manifested his interest 
in religion. Several scoffers had annoyed him during 
the service by their comments upon those who were 
going up to the altar for special prayers. A small, de- 
formed woman w^as a source of ill-suppressed amusement 
to them, and the young lieutenant, as much to rebuke 
them as for any other reason, rose, and buttoning his 
military coat about him, walked behind her to the front. 
He knelt with others at the altar, and as the clergyman 



42 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 

prayed his tears trickled down upon Howard's bowed 
liead. No perceptible difference of feeling resulted from 
tliis step, but a stand had been taken before the world. 
The radical spiritual change which, under divine leader- 
ship, resulted in making him a Christian of a peculiar 
type, came to him subsequent to this time, as he sat 
alone one day in his little room at the Ordnance Depot. 
He was reading that part of Yi cars' s life wherein he de- 
scribes his own conversion. Yicars was persuaded by the 
passage of Scripture, ^' And the blood of Jesus Christ 
His Son cleanseth us from all sin." '^ Howard, in try- 
ing to solve its meaning, found the light through the 
realization of the fact that " the cleanseth" was a per- 
petual process through which men could always find 
Christ. 

His heart was filled with peace and his tongue with 
praise. For him it was impossible to keep the joy he 
felt to himself ; he talked to his army friends, took 
active part in religious work, held meetings for soldiers, 
and was constant in visiting the -sick in the hospitals. 
Many were converted through his instrumentality. He 
went to the poor and the sorrowing, and this among 
many incidents is related of his strong sympathy for even 
strano-ers in bereavement : 

A young volunteer, son of a captain, was accidentally 
killed ; his body was taken to his home, where the 
mother, totally unprepared for the shock, was over- 
whelmed with grief. The tears which relieved the 
father came not to her eyes ; the blow seemed to have 
completely stunned her. On the day of the funeral 
there stood by the grave a young officer, a stranger, who 
wept with her. He attracted her notice as one about 



* 1 Jolin 1 : 7. 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAISr HERO. 43 

the age of lier lost son ; slie spoke to her husband about 
him afterward, and Howard was invited by him to visit 
them. He went immediately to the house of mourning, 
and talked with the mother of her son until the tears 
flowed and the heavy heart found relief. It has been a 
peculiarity of Howard's life that people in trouble in- 
stinctively turn to him, and find comfort in his quick 
and unobtrusive sympathy. 

It was due to a circumstance which took place during 
Howard's stay in Florida that the deepest of impressions 
was made upon him by those temperance principles 
which he has ever since advocated, both by precept and 
unflinching practice. An oflicer lower in rank than 
himself visited him at his quarters, and was offered a 
drink, which probably became the im.mediate cause of 
an attack of delirium tremens. Howard, when he heard 
of the condition of the young man, went to his home, and 
nursed him through his illness, doing all in his power to 
reform the unfortunate officer. But he resolved then 
and there to practise temperance habits and to advocate 
them so long as he lived. Thenceforth the rare indul- 
gence in a glass of liquor at the table of friends was dis- 
continued, and he was safe from temptation in this direc- 
tion. He never at any time in his life had used it in his 
family. TJie little woman who, as we have seen, had so 
nearly parted with him forever because of her belief 
that he had been under the influence of strong drink, 
was too deeply im^bued with temperance principles to 
have countenanced such a course. Fortunately for her, 
the companion of her life was early in their married 
career convinced of the right of her position, and it be- 
came his own. 

As with the use of wine, so with tobacco. He had occa- 
sionally smoked while in Florida and previously, but gave 



44 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HEEO. 

up tlie habit from principle. One day liis attention was 
particularly directed to this verse in the Bible, '' Happy 
is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he 
alloweth ;" * and thinking earnestly upon it, he con- 
cluded that it applied to the habit of smoking in his 
case ; therefore he gave it up, and never again indulged 
in the unnecessary luxury. 

During his stay in Florida Lieutenant Howard culti- 
vated a little garden about his quarters, and in the early 
summer had a fine watermelon patch. The fruit 
tempted the soldiers, and they took his melons whenever 
opportunity offered. When the crop was sufficiently 
ripe for a number of melons to be gathered, he greatly 
shamed the offenders by inviting them to his quarters 
and treating them to all the fruit that was ripe. Ever 
after that feast the lieutenant's melons were his own, to 
dispose of as he chose. 

Lieutenant Howard's work in Florida terminated in 
September, 1857, when, at the recommendation of Pro- 
fessor Church, he was appointed mathematical instructor 
at the military academy. Plere Howard was united with 
his family, which had been enlarged by the birth of a 
second child. They lived at first at Hoe's Hotel, his 
rank not allowing him a house. Subsequently they 
removed to a little cottage, where a quiet family life was 
enjoyed for several years. Within a short time of his 
arrival at West Point he was advanced to a first-lieuten- 
ancy, and before leaving the academy he became Pro- 
fessor Church's first assistant. Many officers who hold 
to-day high positions remember Lieutenant Howard's 
instruction, and speak of him with warm recognition of 
his helpful interest in them. 



* Romans 14 : 22. 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 



45 



During the four years lie spent at West Point as in- 
structor of mathematics he was active in religious work, 
visited the Soldiers' Hospital, and every Wednesday 
night lectured to soldiers and their families in the little 
church under the hill. These lectures on the different 
commandments and on each clause of the Lord's Prayer 
were carefully written out, and are kept by him as 
souvenirs of those happy days when he was studying 
Hebrevf , with a view to entering the ministry. With the 
families about the mountains and at the Falls below he 
was largely acquainted, and v/as engaged in missionary 
work with many of them. lie established and con- 
ducted a cadets' prayer-meeting, wdiich flourished from 
its inception. In his cliary, kept during this period of 
his life. General Howard has preserved the names of his 
class-members, together with some mementoes of the 
spiritual work they tried to perform. It was the custom 
at each meeting for the class to hand in requests for 
prayers, and from among very many in the possession of 
their leader a few are copied as indicative of the zeal and 
earnestness of the young writer. The names of the class 
are also given. They were : 



Townsend, 


Holgate, 


Field, 


Hamilton (F.), 


Wright, 


Eamsey, 


Bobbins, 


Blocker, 


Washiugton, 


Drumm, 


Burton, 


Chapman, 


Graves, 


Twining, 


Nelson, 


Adams, 


Meigs, 


Smith (C), 


Dixon, 


Warner, 


Butler, 


Clark, 


Eussell, 


Button, 


Phipps, 


Buchanan, 


Smith (J.), 


Farquhar, 


Michie, 


King (W.), 


Murray, 


Harris, 


Henry (Guy), 


Upton, 


Hoxton, 


Kirby. 


Dresser, 


Benjamin, 


Counselmau, 





Cadet ITpton, afterward General Upton, was among 
the first to attend. He was a devoted Christian, and his 



46 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAlSr HERO. 

name appears oftenest in connection witli petitions. 
Here are several of liis, which read as follows : 

** The prayers of tlio meeting are requested for a room-mate. 

(Signed) ** Cadet Upton." 

" Prayers are requested for two near relatives. 

" Cadet Upton." 

And again, on Jnne llth, 1860 : 

*' The prayers of the meeting are requested for its individual mem- 
bers during the ensuing encampment. 

(Signed) *' Cadet Upton." 

Between Lieutenant Howard and this young cadet 
there existed the warmest attachment and the heartiest 
co-operation in their religious work. A letter (dated Oc- 
tober, 1860) from Upton to his instructor shows the confi- 
dential rehations existing between them and the unusual 
religious fervor of the young man. He is speaking of 
the death of his brother, and he tells his friend that '^ he 
took great interest in religion, and died glorifying God ; 
after he had told my mother that his hands were cold 
and that he was dying, he would not relinquish the hand 
of a neighbor until he had promised to meet him in 
heaven. His charge to me was that I should delay no 
longer my preparation for eternity." Speaking of his 
return from the funeral, he continues : ^^ I read the 
Bible more attentively, and then resorted to prayer. I 
continued my efforts imtil I experienced relief." After 
attendance at the prayer-meeting he says : ' ' I feel a closer 
communion with God, and then I enjoy prayer. ... I 
look forward to the time when I can show forth my faith 
more in works. In whatever capacity 1 may serve, I 
hope to do good and advance the cause of Christ. . . . 
I believe in God ; 1 beHeve in Christ, and 1 pray for the 
time when I shall know no doubt, and when I shall have 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 47 

a steadfast faitli in all of God's promises. I ask yonr 
prayers that I may continue faithful unto the end, and 
that I may ever remain a true and humble follower of 
Christ." 

Extracts from Howard's diary will reveal the inner life 
of the young officer while engaged in his public duties as 
instructor of mathematics at the academy. 

*' Friday, Oct 2, 1857. — What is wanting? More heart, more love, 
more of the Holy Spirit. I almost listened with pleasure to things 
said about a lady that will do me no good ; found myself gradually 
drawn into the man-fearing, praise-loving vortex. How far my spirit 
gets from my Kedeemer ! To-day I went to the Soldiers' Hospital, 
and visited a young man of the Engineer Company by the name of 
Haviland, who has the consumption. I talked with him on the sub- 
ject of his soul's salvation, and tried to draw him to the true Saviour. 
But I did not read or pra}^ with him. He seemed pleased at my visit, 
and asked me to come again. I promised to visit him and bring him 
things to read." 

" Odoher 7, 1857. — I find the labor of the section-room rather trjnng 
to my lungs, but am getting on admirably in my duties. Lizzie and 
I spent some little time after I returned from recitations in making 
calls. This afternoon I took little Guy and went to Cold Spring in a 
small rowboat. Guy enjoyed the row, and particularly enjoyed the 
sight of hens, dogs, and pigs that he saw in the streets of the town. 

" I don't want to do anything else before looking to God for His 
blessing in the morning. We must try to systematize a little. This 
evening I went to a prayer-meeting under the liill. W^e had nine or 
ten souls only, and a very pleasant season of praying and singing. 
We must persevere till we get a large audience. God bless our efforts 
and sanctify our hearts." 

^'August 8, 1857. — A day to be remembered. Saw Haviland ; he, 
poor fellow ! seems to be failing ; may God bless him ; and may he not 
have the saving grace? I read him some of God's promises to him 
who turns from sin, a letter in the life of Captain Vicars, and 
prayed in his room by his bedside. This evening Lizzie and I visited 
Mr. French and his family. Mr. French came to the hotel with us, 
and talked and prayed with us in the north parlor. Lizzie has re- 
solved to be baptized next Sunday, and his conversation was prepara- 
tory. . . . God be near us through this night. May we continue to 
turn from sin and strengthen our faith at the foot of the throne." 



48 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

" West Point, N. Y. 

"October 11. — Lizzie vas baptized at the cliapel to-day by Mr. 
French. The ceremony was very impressive. ... I had a pretty 
full Sunday-school to day. Went to see Haviland, and prayed with 
him. He seems low indeed. Attended prayers this afternoon, the 
Methodist Church this evening. Heard a sermon from the text, ' He 
that will confess me before men, him will I confess before my Father 
which is in heaven.' I spoke to the people after the sermon, and ap- 
pointed a prayer-meeting and lecture for Wednesday night. I have 
had a pretty active day and much Christian enjoyment. It is after 
half-past ten. Will God bless the ordinances, services, and sermons 
of this day to our soul's good? May the Saviour become more -pve- 
cious to Lizzie and myself !" 

"Mnday, Oct. 23. — We seem quite retired here, just after moving 
into the little cottage. A little house, a little wife, and two little chil- 
dren constitute a very pleasant family. It is after ten. I am so 
happy here I fear I shall not at all times think it gain to depart and be 
with Christ. But let me say always, ' Not as I will, but as Thou 
wilt. ' I did my usual duties to-day ; wrote a letter to Charles this 
evening." 

"October 24. — In the afternoon I went to see Haviland, but he was 
asleep, and I did not waken him." 

"Sunday, Oct. 25, 1857. — I did not visit Haviland. Will the Lord 
be gracious and merciful and long-suffering toward him ? Lizzie and 
I have been searching the Scriptures together. She told me how she 
enjoyed communion with God while I was away. She is reading the 
life of Hedley Yicars. We are very happy now. Our joys are not all 
in the future. We know that God is merciful and gracious. Together 
we embrace the privilege of going to Him in prayer. Our children 
are all we could wish them, and they are to us not the least of the 
bounties of our Heavenly Father's bestowing. May we love them, but 
not supremely. May we. enjoy them as precious gifts, but never 
idolize. God gives us wisdom and strength." 

"West Point, N. Y. 
"November 1 {All Saints' Day), 1857. — I had the happiness of partak- 
ing the Lord's Supper for the first time to-day, and with my wife — 
this being also her first time. . . . To-day, after the second lesson, 
they (the children) were carried forward for baptism. . . . Now we 
have all been baptized, and I trust God will give His blessing, that 
we may bring up the children in the right way and be able early to 
present them to the Church as worthy members. God grant that 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 49 

they both be made useful in His kingdom ! . . . This has been a 
bright day ; the sun has shone — first communion to Lizzie and me, 
and the baptism of our children. Thank the Lord, oh my soul !" 

"Sunday, Xov. 8, 1857. — My birthday has passed — twenty-seven 
years old to-day. It has been a glorious Sabbath to me. My heart 
has been much in communion with the Spirit. I had a joyous morn- 
ing service ; listened to a delightful sermon from Mr. French on 
faith ; had a very good attendance at Sabbath-school ; visited Havi- 
land at the hospital, and found him more disposed to listen to Chris- 
tian truth than he seemed to be before ; had a meeting of the Meth- 
odists this evening." 

"Friday, I^ov. 20, Cottage. — Drum-Major "William J. Skinner came 
in for me to explain the Scriptures. . . . Poor Haviland is gone ! 
He said he died in peace. Thank the Lord for His mercy." 

"Saturday, Nov. 21, 1857. — Went to Haviland' s funeral ; tried to 
enter into the circumstances of his death with more heart. ... I 
have detected myself in many a selfish mood to-day. I desire too 
much worldly credit. Oh, that I might be more constantly under the 
influence of my Saviour, and be prepared at any moment to go to 
meet Him ! I don't like to have doubts as to the work of grace in my 
heart ; I don't want to be deceiving myself as I do by words. Lord, 
help me to gain strength and manliness in the Christian character !" 

"Saturday, Dec. 19, 1857.^Mr. Greble (lieutenant and classmate) 
came to visit us. I walked to his room, and we conversed together on 
the subject of religion. Oh, I would like to have him become a 
Christian, and may he not ? O Lord, show me Thy mercy, and take 
not Thy Holy Spirit from me !" 

"Sunday, Dec. 27, 1857. — Christmas was a lovely day. Aunt, Lizzie, 
and I went to the church ; listened to a beautiful and spiritual ser- 
mon from Mr, French. His appeals to the young men are faithful, 
earnest, and strong. The service, the singing, the trimming of the 
church— all were excellent. Lizzie and I enjoyed the communion. 
How delightful to go to the table of our Lord ! To-day I have had 
the usual exercises. The Sunday-school increases in interest. Mr. 
Tannatt (afterward General Tannatt, of Massachusetts), a cadet of 
the first class, came to help us. May God bless him !" 

"Thursday, Jan. 28, 3858.— I have spent this evening in writing to 
my friend P., and I pray my Heavenly Father to bless the letter to 
the awakening of his soul. Give me the power, O my Saviour, to 
feel more deeply for my friends and companions 1 Wilt Thou, I be- 
seech Thee, make me an instrument in Thy hands for the salvation of 
those with whom I am connected? Help me to walk humbly before 



60 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIA:N" HEEO. 

Thee. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Oh, deepen the work 
of grace that Thou in Thy mercy hast begun !" 

'^Friday, Jan. 29, 1858. — I met my Bible class to-night at the hos- 
pital. We prayed together. Considered the subject of sin, and 
branched off into various directions. Oh, I pray that I may be led 
to say the truth, and nothing but the truth, at these meetings ! I 
received great encouragement to persevere. Graham was there. He 
kex^t silent the most of the time. I don't know that he spoke once. 
God grant that he may find the light as it is. . . ." 

*' Monday, March 8, 1858. — Lizzie and I have been home ; children 
asleep. The girls gone to Buttermilk Falls, and not returned now, at 
eleven ; a cold, starry night. Lizzie and I have taken turns at read- 
ing ' English Hearts and Hands.' We find much that is pleasant 
and much that is encouraging in the book, for these little sketches 
show what a field of labor is open to the humblest Christian, and 
how very much may be accomplished by persevering effort when one 
trusts in God. It shows tis hov/ Ignorant are the proud and haughty 
of a real source of enjoyment in this world." 

*' Thursday, March 16. — On my way home from church Lieutenant 
Alexander overtook me, and came home with me. He gave me two 
books to be used for doing good in the Christian cause. He also gave 
me five dollars to be expended in the way I thought v/ould best pro- 
mote the salvation of souls. A. remained with us, and talked a good 
deal about religion. He wants to be thought by his men to be on 
the Lord's side, that they may come to him for religious sympathy 
on the expedition [to the extreme frontier] upon which he is going 
with them. Last night I visited Graham, and found him in a good 
mood. We talked long together, read the second chapter of Colos- 
sians, and united in prayer. He prayed fervently. I tried to direct 
him more and more fully to Christ. To-night a young Mr. C, who 
has been seeking religion for some time, but don't feel satisfied of 
this change of heart, has been talking with us, and Lizzie and I have 
been directing him as best wo could how to find jDeace in believing. 
O Lord, my Eedeemer, show him the way !" 

*' Wednesday, AprU 21. — Lizzie and I went to walk this evening, 
about five o'clock, toward Cro'nest. When v>^e had been gone nearly 
an hour the girl, Mary, met us oj)posite the Cadets' Garden, and said 
the baby was sick, very sick. Lizzie and I started to run, and I out- 
ran her and almost lost my breath. When I got to the house I found 
Mrs, Weir holding the baby. She extended her to me, and said, 
* Your dear little lamb.' She was as white as a sheet, froth and f 
little blood around her mouth. I put my finger in her mouth, an^- 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 51 

instantly removed from her throat one of Guy's marbles, that had 
remained there for half an hour. Mary had first gone for the doctor 
to the Cadets' Hospital before she started for us. Grace soon got 
better, though she looked yery pale for some time. The Lord 
reminds us thus that we must hold His gifts as from Himself, and 
■when He calls and demands His own we should be ready to surren- 
der." 

Leiier io his Mother. 

" West Point, May 23, 1859. 
** . . . Y/e have had a nice visit from Eowland (Eev. E. B. How- 
ard). He spoke Sunday evening a week ago at the Camptown Chapel, 
and made somfe remarks there on Wednesday evening ; went once to 
my cadet prayer-meeting, and yesterday, all day, officiated for Eev. 
Mr, Gray, the Presbyterian minister at the Falls, and preached for 
him a funeral sermon a mile and a half below the Falls. His dis- 
courses were very good, and I trust left a deep impression on many 
of the hearers. In public Eowland seems possessed of a most excel- 
lent spirit, and wins by the kindness and gentleness of his manner. 
I hojDe God will continue to bless and prosper him. Before he left 
this morning I had rheumatism in my knee, but it has all left me 
now. I got mj^self damp, and the weather changed suddenly. I am 
sorry to hear that Charles is not better in health. . ., . It will not 
be long before we shall be with you. We are talking of going by the 
way of Niagara and Montreal. The children are pretty well. . . , 
A few are manifesting an interest in religion, but not many, I fear. 
You cannot think how delightful West Point now is on a pleasant 
day, and how rich the scenery, unless your memory is vivid. Good- 
night. With much affection, 

' * Your son, 

"0. O. HOWAED." 

"Septeraber 1, 1858. — We had family praj-ers this morning, and shall 
have this evening before retiring. I think I enjoy much of the 
presence of God s Spirit, and feel myself conformed to His will, * It 
is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good.' Now I have two 
new sections in mathematics. I trust I shall struggle harder than 
ever before to do justice and lead a Christian life before them. . . ." 

"September 2. — Speaking of an engineer soldier who had just died, 
the officer's letter before me does not say anything of his religious 
views and feelings before being launched into eternity ; but it may 
be that God brought the hours when we met for prayer and the 
lessons we learned home to his soul. * He died at the hospital of 



52 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 

the Sixth Infantry, and was buried at the next camping ground.' 
I presume by this that it was a moving hospital. ..." 

"Septemher 5. — L. and myself had quite a conversation to-night. 
She thinks me full of extremes — impulsive and impatient — and I 
think she is partially, if not wholly, right. We prayed God for union 
of heart and spirit in Christ. I am not close enough in my walk to 
Christ. I think too much of myself ; am growing dry, I fear. Oh, 
keep me from coldness and lukewarmness !" 

"Sepiemher 6, 1858. — The superintendent declined to give me per- 
mission to meet the young men in the Dialectic Hall, and said he 
must i^rovide me some other place, which he has not yet done. I 
thought of meeting them in one of the recitation rooms, but there 
being no gas obtained from the fixtures, we postponed our meeting 
till Thursday. I hope we will be able to hold our prayer-meeting 
again for my benefit, as well as for the cadets." 

^'September 8. — This evening I delivered the address I have been 
preparing (in connection with the event of William Slayter's death) 
at the little church. There was quite a good attendance. Norris 
and his daughter seemed very much affected. Would that they 
might give their hearts to Christ !" 

"Sepiemher 9. — We opened our cadet prayer-meeting this evening in 
one of the rooms in the barracks. I read a portion of Scripture, the 
fifty-fourth chapter of Isaiah ; then Mr. Wright led in prayer. After 
his prayer, which was a fervent supplication for mercy upon his com- 
panions, I read a few passages from a book of sermons, said a few 
words, and then we had two prayers. I asked if any one had a word 
to say, and a young man who had just come among us arose and 
spoke of his peculiar trials and temptations, and asked for our 
prayers. He said he was but a young convert. I spoke a few words 
of encouragement, telling him we had more for us than against us, 
for God is on our side. Again we all united in prayer, as the call of 
the bugle blew. Such is a brief sketch of the half hour at the prayer- 
meeting. Lord, have mercy upon us and make our little meeting 
for prayer especially beneficial to our souls !" 

"Tuesday, Sept 14. — . . . Speaking of Cadet Kingsbmy, whom I 
visited in hospital ; he is an intelligent young man, and, I should 
think, with more than ordinary ability. I would be glad to have his 
influence in the cause of Christ." 

"Saturday, Sept. 18, 1858. — Wednesday evening we had a good 
attendance at lecture. Our new choir did admirably, though I neg- 
lected to give out the hymns as desired. I lectured on the first of 
the ten commandments. I pray that God will bless these lectures 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 53 

to my benefit, as well as to that of those to v/hom they are addressed. 
Thursday evening we had a full i:)ra3^er-meeting Mith the cadets. I 
read them a tract on the ten lepers. We had the pleasure of having 
two voices new to us. We need the blessing of God upon every 
effort for promoting the kingdom of Christ. ..." 

"Sepiemhcr 20.— It is now one year since I came to this post as an 
instructor. Am I much advanced in the grace and knowledge of 
Christ ? I find my rebellious heart so ready with its own ways and 
projects that I tremble. ..." 

"September 25. — The week is drawing to a close. I heard early in 
the week that poor Graham had yielded to the temiDter, and begun to 
drink ; he has succeeded in keeping out of my way. I went to see 
his poor wife yesterday. She says it is only since he went on a pass, 
about two weeks since, that he has got in a bad way. He has prayed 
with her, and she has never been happier than since they have lived 
here. He has not been seen for two days, and must have deserted. 
It is all due to liquor. May God have mercy on the poor insane 
man !" 

''October 7. — Thursday evening prayer-meeting ; good attendance. 
Read Bushwell on the confession of Christ. W^e prayed for the aid 
of God's Spirit to destroy the profane spirit in the corps ; we con- 
tinue to pray for the cadets. God will give His blessing at the proper 
time." 

"Wednesday, Oct. 6. — Careless in losing proper self-government. 
Ruled myself pretty well at recitation. Came near getting impatient 
to-day ; checked myself in time. I fear my policy in procuring 
quarters is too selfish. I must make sacrifices of comfort for the 
sake of others." 

"Sunday, Oct. 17. — I have had a good Sabbath. Mr. French's 
morning sermon very good ; from the text, ' Love the Lord thy God 
with all thy heart,' etc. 

" This evening I went to Buttermilk Falls ; called at Mr. Gray's ; 
addressed a roomful at the Methodist chapel on the new life. I hope 
God will bless the efforts to the good of some. Walked back with 
Mr. Morrison and Mr. Clark (Edward) ; had religious conversation with 
them. Mr. C. is with me ; we talked about various things in connec- 
tion with religion. Oh, my Saviour, that I might be now as true- 
hearted as the words I write seem to imply ! Help me to be less 
thoughtful and talkative of self. Mr. C. and I read and prayed 
together. ** 

"Monday, Oct. 18. — . . . On my return I met Lieutenant M. ; we 
had a long conversation ; asked me about my religion, and talked 



54 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAIT HERO. 

about the want of it, even in the chaplains on the frontier. The 
chaplain at Fort Leavenworth makes * toddies ' for the sitters at the 
gaming-table, etc. In New Mexico they have no religion ; gambling 
and all manner of corrupt i^ractices a common thing on the Sab- 
bath. ..." 

"Wednesday, Oct. 20. — We had the very interesting ceremony of 
the baptism of a little child, at my little church, by Mr. French this 
evening. The house was quite full. The little innocent was beauti- 
ful, and did not cry, and looked very pretty in Mr. French's arms as 
he put the water on him and signed him with the cross. After the 
ceremony Mr. French left. I was sorry, because I vranted him to see 
what sort of discourses I delivered ; but maj^be there is pride in the 
wish. The Eev. Mr. Parker was present. He made some remarks 
after the address ; complimented me very highly. I don't need any 
compliments but to know that souls are being led to God, and ought 
not to receive any. We can easily get the applause of men ; but how 
much better is the approbation of our Lord and Saviour ! . . ." 

*' Sunday, Oct. 30. — We had our usual family exercises this morn- 
ing ; after family prayers I went to the Soldiers' Hospital, talked a 
little with three sick soldiers (now very sick), and gave them tracts. 
I got a German youth who used to belong to my Bible-class to come 
again to Sunday-school. ... I then started for the Falls ; overtook 
a large boy and a little one on the road ; little boy had a man's hat on 
the top of his cap. He looked quite bright, and I began to question 
him. He was learning the Catholic catechism ; did not know of the 
Saviour. I chatted with him, pointed to a star, and told him about 
the star that went before the wise men ; both boys listened quite at- 
tentively. I told them how men treated Christ ; how He died, and 
how He had risen and ascended up to God. The little boy didn't 
think he could remember all I had told him. He said he swore some- 
times. I told him he must not any more. It seemed to be a new 
thing to the boy to be talked to in this v/ay." 

"Noveriiber 7. — Went to evening prayers at chapel ; mind wander- 
ing much during service. I conducted the service, and addressed the 
people at the Methodist chapel under the hill, on the first command- 
ment. The house pretty well filled. Congregation very attentive. 
My Saviour seemed to draw near to me and bless the lecture — I mean 
the delivery and subsequent remarks. What a beautiful day is this 
Sabbath ! How different from those Sabbaths before God called me 
into His fold !" 

"Saturday, Mv, 27, 1858. — Another week has drawn to a close. I 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 55 

have been through the same routine duties during the past week as 
heretofore. How many thousand words have been spoken ! How 
much has gone forth never to return till the day of accounts ! O 
God, cause the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart 
to be accejDtable in Thy sight ! O Lord, my Strength and my Ee- 
deemer !" 

^'Decemher 13. — I obtained the ' Higher Life ' through the Rev. Mr. 
Gray at the Falls, and Lizzie and I have been reading it attentively, 
thoughtfully. It has indeed sent a thrill of joy into my heart 
and been the means of smoothing much rough ground within me. 
Sunday night, at our evening prayer, after spending a portion of the 
evening upon the subject of * a second conversion, ' or * a full salva- 
tion,' my heart became full of great gladness ; and the peculiar peace 
was more than usual. How glorious the Lord is ! How abundant in 
His bestowments ! I thank Thee, O my God ! that Thou hast 
blessed, that Thou art blessing, and that Thou wilt continue to bless 
me ; for such is Thy good i^leasure. I will endeavor to bear in mind 
Thy inlinite mercy and loving-kindness, in the imparling to my soul 
such knowledge of Jesus my Saviour, and Jesus my Sanctifier, so as 
to render Him all in all. Oh, let me, my insignificant self, be 
absorbed altogether in the brightness of His image, and fit me for 
thine own work by helping me to live every moment of my life by 
faith in the Son of God !" 

"February 3, 1859. — Last Sunday morning we had a sermon from 
Eev. Dr. Henrj'-, Episcopal clergyman, a right manly, out-and-out 
discourse, showing the reason why a man should do right and avoid 
the wrong—' because it is right, and not do wrong because it is wrong.' 
He attacked that prevalent philosophy with directness and success, 
which makes a subtle selfishness the procuring cause, the motive of 
goodness. After church I visited him, and thinking, from his bold- 
ness and informal declaration of the truth, a discourse from him 
might awaken some of the frequenters of the Camptown Chapel, I 
invited him to go there in the evening. He went, and delivered a 
most excellent and affectionate discourse on the love, character, good- 
ness of God as exhibited in the gracious invitations set forth in a 
chapter of the prophet Isaiah that he read. Dr. Henry is eccentric, 
full of humor, telling anecdotes continually in i)rivate, and replete 
with pointed illustrations in his public discourse. I like him very 
much, for I believe he has a large heart, and loves his blessed Mas- 
ter. . . . How plainly poor Reed's case shows the necessity of a 
previous preparation for death! He says he don't rely much on a 



56 HOWAED : THE CHRISTIAIT HERO. ' 

death-bed change ; but I told him he did not know it was his death- 
bed. He said, ' True, ' and I urged him to give himself to Christ for 
life or for death. ..." 

^^ February 8. — Poor Reed died Saturday evening at half -past five, 
and was buried yesterday at three p.m. Tuesday night I watched 
with him. Ho grew gradually weaker. I did not see him again 
after "Wednesday morning. He had the most assiduous atten- 
tion of his wife, the family, and his friends. His death seemed 
to cast a gloom over the corps of cadets. Both brothers were 
with him. I wrote Monday, before the funeral, an account of the 
conversations I had with him, in the form of a letter, to his 
mother. His eldest brother thought it would be a pleasure to 
her to have them. His wife bore up wonderfully under the trial. 
She went to the chapel and to the grave. The whole service was 
comi^leted at the chapel, and the band played there in the gallery, 
and did not accompany the remains to the grave. Early, just having 
entered upon his career, he was cut off ; but God, who doeth all things 
well, will bring the blessing He has in store. Oh, that it be the sal- 
vation of the entire family ! Oh, that it be the will of God to bring 
those brothers, who have such tender hearts, to the truth as it is in 
Jesus! ..." 

^'Monday, Feb. 14, 1859. — . . . Good prayer-meeting with cadets ; 
nearly all the seats filled. I read a piece on decision of character and 
the first chapter of Timothy. I made some remarks on the besetting 
sins of the army, particularly drunkenness and gambling. I be- 
sought the young men to lay a good, solid foundation in principle, 
for they would need it. I got ' Thomas a Kempis ' in Latin. Have 
read a little of the sketch of his life, a chapter of his sayings, and a 
chapter in St. John in Latin this evening. We have had our even- 
ing prayer, and now for bed." 

"Wednesday, Feb. 23, 1859. — . . . Saturday evening, just before 
night, I visited Mrs. Cashman (wife of Sergeant Cashman), who has 
the cancer. She can scarcely eat, or sleep, or talk ; is in a terribly 
hopeless condition. I talked to her, read a portion of Scripture, and 
prayed with her. I had a little talk with Colonel H. this evening. 
He is almost persuaded to be a Christian. Miss Maria has some 
troublesome doubts of her acceptance ; we have been talking about 
them. I trust they will ba removed. . . .", 

^'March 8, 1859. — • . . . Mrs. Morrison lies very ill. I have visited 
her several times. She can scarcely speak or move, but her trust is 
clear and unswerving in Jesus. She says, 'His grace is sufficient 
for me ;' ' I put all my trust in Him,' and the like expressions. 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN- HERO. 67 

She has four littlo girls ; the eldest does not seem more than eight 
or nine years." 

^'Sunday, March 'IQ. — In the morning we breakfasted a littlo after 
eight. After family prayer I took the * Lily of the Valley ' of 
a Kempis, given me by Professor Weir for Mrs. Cashman, and went 
to see her. She was in bed, and did not seem in much pain from the 
cancer, and I thought appeared more cheerful than when I first 
visited her. I inquired particularly if she had an interest in Christ ; 
if she loved Him and trusted Him. She said something about a want 
of the inward witness of the Spirit. She believes in Jesus, but 
doubts her own acceptance. I talked to her as best I could, read a 
portion of Scripture, and prayed. The sergeant came in just before 
the prayer. He seemed grateful for my attentions to his wife in her 
suffering. I then went to the Soldiers' Hospital ; sat and talked with 
Saunders, a soldier. . . . 

"To-day, Thursday, the 31st of March (1859), is rather windy 
weather, and cold. I have done little to-day ; had a good cadets* 
prayer- and reading-meeting ; one new face. I am reading * The 
Shadow of the Cross.' My own religious views perplex me. I find I 
am certain only on a few points. I think, however, Jesus will take 
care of me.' ' 

" Wednesday, Ajyrll 4, 1859. — . . . After the prayer was said in 
•unison at the cadets' prayer-meeting, Cadet Upton made a short 
prayer — I expect the first he ever made in public. I was exceedingly 
rejoiced. He stopped back after the rest had left. Said his brother 
had died in joy, and invited him to meet him in heaven. Oh, these 
brothers, whom God has called into His vineyard ! Mr, W. told me 
he had made a practice of reading two chapters in the Bible every 
day. God has rewarded him, and will bless him. O'Hearn (sapper) I 
visited this evening at the Soldiers' Hospital, He bled much last 
night. He thanked me heartily for my visit, and I saw the tears in 
his eyes after the prayer when he invited me to come again. ..." 

* ' Wednesday, April 6. — I visited the hospital this evening. O'Hearn, 
poor fellow ! continues to bleed ; I saw the blood on his lips and in 
the spittoon. It made me feel badly to see him. He is cheerful and 
resigned, and I think has his trust in the right place. He asked me 
if anything should happen and he sent for me if I would come. I 
told him ' Certainly,' for I saw he meant death might visit him soon. 
I tried to get * L,' to do me a great favor. I asked him, as a personal 
favor to me, not to drink liquor any more— certainly nothing stronger 
than beer. He said he would not. I lectured this evening on * The 
Christian's Hope ;' there were more soldiers out than usual. I said 



58 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

some liard things (to hear), but I hope the truth frankly spoken may- 
do some good. 1 am still apt to think myself of some considerable 
importance. Oh, that I might give my whole heart continually to 
the Lord !" 

"Saturday Night, April 9. — . . . I am not abstemious enough in 
the use of food. I fear if God should give me success with my heart 
as it is now, that I should be puffed with pride, and thus lose the 
countenance of my blessed Saviour. I am conscious that I do not 
make a good warfare against the world, the flesh, and the devil. But 
blessed be God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus 
Christ ! Jesus, will He not bring us off conquerors ?' ' 

^' March 15, 1861. — Poor Dr. Gray has gone to his reward. He died 
at Syracuse. ... I carried the news of his death to his j)oor feeble 
wife and his daughter yesterday. . . Two cadets have found Jesus 
precious to them and been baptized, and I understand that over a 
hundred souls have been converted here and at the Falls, among 
those with whom it has been my privilege to work, 

"... I am ever indulging in complacency, thinking of what I am 
doing, speaking of it. I see and name the failings of others. I find 
pride, vanity ; don't think I am as kind as I ought to be in recita- 
tions, yet I am blessed with much peace of mind, and hate to be 
brought into subjection by these things. Appetite and passion keep 
getting the mastery of me; but I love the Lord Jesus Christ, and hope 
He will keep me from denying Him in the words of my mouth and in 
the meditations of my heart, and that He will finally help me conquer 
every wicked thought and resist every temptation of the devil," 

''May 2, 1859. — . . . Last Wednesday evening I delivered a lect- 
ure on the subject of ' Grace,' and last night on the second miracle of 
Jesus at Cana ; had a fair attendance and good attention. I do hope 
and pray that the work of grace may show itself among us abun- 
dantly, but I don't know as I have the right notions prompting this 
wish. I have finished the life of Payson, and am reading Cotton 
Mather's ' History of New England ' aloud to Lizzie. It is very in- 
teresting, and I hope will prove useful to me. ..." 

'"'October 6. — . . . Mrs, Cashman (sergeant's wife, who has been 
sick so long with a cancer) died Sunday ; has gone to sleep in Jesus. 
Sunday morning she told me she understood the Scripture I read her, 
and said she was waiting patiently. She put her whole trust and 
confidence in Jesus, she said, the Friday before, I have visited her 
regularly every Sunday morning since she has been so very ill, and 
read and prayed with her, and I think God has made me the humble 
instrument in leading her to put her trust in Jesus. ..." 



HOWARD : THE chrtstia:n' hero. 59 

''November 8, 1859. — My twenty-ninth birthday is just drawing to 
its close. God grant that I may be more truly consecrated to His 
service this year than last. My besetting sin is the love of the praise 
of men. I am in danger continually of contemplating my own work 
with complacency. Oh, my Inlinite Helper, what is any effort of 
mine but air without thine assistance !" 

"Sunday, Nov. 27, 1859. — A shade of gloom has been cast over West 
Point during the past week. Lieutenant Weitzel, of the Engineers, 
a short time ago went to Cincinnati and brought back a youthful 
bride. Last Wednesday, when he was in the hotel office, he heard a 
scream up-stairs, and immediately ran toward his room. In the hall 
he met his wife and others, the flames completelj'' enveloping her and 
rising above her head. As soon as possible the fire was extinguished, 
but she was so dreadfully burned that she lingered only till the next 
evening. She was of German extraction, a member of the Lutheran 
Church, and seemed in her suffering to have a sense of the presence 
and power of the grace of God. She was perfectly happy, and said 
she was going to a ' better home.' Her husband seems to look upon 
her death like a Christian. I hope he may realize the true end of 
sorrow. Oh, prepare him to meet his wife in heaven !" 

^'January 9, 18G0. — Yesterday, about noon, Lieutenant Holabird 
[now Quartermaster General] lost his oldest child, a beautiful little 
girl. To-day we followed her little coffin to the grave, where Mr. 
French, with his wonted earnest solemnity, pronounced the last 
solemn words over her mortal remains. The officers were nearly all 
present, and showed every mark of kind and respectful sympathy with 
their afflicted brother-in-arms. ... At the Sunday-school and at 
the cadets' prayer-meeting this evening prayers were offered for the 
afflicted parents." 

Recording the deatli of Lieutenant E. II. Day, in 
Eiclimond, Ya., lie says : 

'^ January 10, 1860. —Day and I were together in Florida, and had 
many conversations upon religion before I was fully a Christian. I 
wrote him once after, telling of what a Saviour I had found. I got 
one reply. I saw him once afterward, and am hoping he gave his 
whole heart to the Lord before his removal. Day had a warm heart 
and noble sentiments. He was a true friend and a modest gentle- 
man." 

''March 30, 1860. — Brought me a good letter from Lieutenant O. A. 
Mack [afterward General Mack], now become an earnest helper in 



60 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

the vineyard of the Lord. This letter brought to me these first joyful 
tidings." 

Lieutenants Mack and Howard were room-mates in 
Florida. 

"September 23, 18G0.— Stood as sponsor for little Clara French 
Greble, daughter of Lieutenant John T. and Mrs Sallie Greble. O 
Lord, help us to be truly interested for the salvation of this child ! 
Without Thee, my Saviour, I can do nothing." 

Colonel Greble, the classmate and friend of General 
Howard, was the lirst regular officer to fall in the war of 
the rebellion, at Big Bethel, Ya. 



III. 



The Civil War — Colonel of a Maine regiment— Eeception and dinner 
in New York — Battle of Bull Run — With the Army of the Potomao 
— Life in camp — The battle of Fair Oaks — Twice wounded — Ee- 
turns to his home — " The empty sleeve." 

The darkest days of the nation's history now dawned. 
The Civil War had come — that period which had heen 
constantly predicted for thirty years by the extremists of 
both sides. Tlie people were agitated as never before in 
the history of the United States. The inevitable bitter- 
ness between the sections was fast developing into vio- 
lence, and the opponents were enrolling themselves for 
the coming strife for supremacy. Army officers were 
the first to feel the effects of the changed condition of 
public affairs ; their prof ession necessarily placed them in 
the front, and the country looked with no little anxiety 
to see what course they would pursue in the crisis. 
Many resigned and hastened to avow their allegiance to 
their separate States ; others resigned from the regular 
army to take commands of higher rank, with volunteer 
organizations, and not a few waited, watching the course 
of events. These changed so rapidly that men of every 
class were in doubt as to the effect of any step. Mean- 
time the outlook was gloomy ; army ties were being 
broken rapidly ; friends were parting, not perhaps to 
feel personal hostility to each other, but to become 
public enemies. Those who had been comrades in social 
life were separating to appear on opposite sides of the 
conflict, and everywhere men's minds were absorbed in 



62 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 

the troubles of tlieir country. Lieutenant Howard pon- 
dered tlie situation with much concern ; certain religious 
convictions (those looking to the ministry) came into 
conflict with what he conceived to be his duty to his 
country. He reflected much after the first gun had been 
fired at Sumter. The government had educated him 
at its expense for such an emergency as had now come ; 
he had pledged himself to serve his country's flag. 
Should he forget his training ? Should he belie his 
pledge ? His brothers from the South claimed the right 
of secession and adherence to their native States. There 
was no sucli call on Howard. His course thus became 
clear ; his heart responded to the voice of duty. H.e 
w^as prepared to tight for the integrity of the American 
Union, and the religion of his soul supported the decision 
of his intellect. 

Obtaining a temporary leave of absence from West 
Point, he answered in person the call of his compatriots 
in Maine. Mr. Bhiine, then the Speaker of the Maine 
House, presented his name for the colonelcy of the first 
three years' regiment, the Third Maine, one thousand 
/strong, and he received his commission from Governor 
"Washburne, dated the 28th of May, 1861. He had 
left West Point on a leave of absence, but before 
he received his commission he tendered his resigna- 
tion as an ofticer of the regular army, and sent a 
friend to Yv^est Point to inform his wife and accom- 
pany her to 'New York. Mrs. Howard, in her home 
at the Point, heard a gentleman at the door inquir- 
ing if Colonel Howard lived there. Instantly the whole 
truth flashed upon her : her husband had accepted an ap- 
pointment in the volunteer army, and would not return 
to the academy. Hasty preparations were made, and 
soon she was en route to meet him, with her three little 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAiq- HERO. 63 

children, and to say good-by for an indefinite time. On 
the 5th of June the regiment left Augusta, and reaching 
Kew York the next day. Colonel Howard met his 
family at the Astor House. 

Lord Melville once declared in Parliament that ^^ bad 
men make the best soldiers." Yicars, in answering a 
similar argument, made by a fellow-officer who opposed 
his rehgious work among the privates, said : '' Were I 
ever, as leader of a forlorn hope, allowed to select my 
men, it would be most certainly from among the soldiers 
of Christ ; for who should fight so fearlessly and bravely 
as those to whom death presents no after terrors ?" 

Colonel Howard believed, wdth Iledley Yicars, the 
better the man, the better the soldier, and when intro- 
duced to his regiment by Mr. Blaine, in front of the 
Capitol at Augusta, he rather shocked the feelings of 
some of his hearers by plainly emphasizing his abhor- 
rence of intemperance and profanity. He declared that 
no man could do his duty under the influence of liquor, 
and asserted his aversion to profanity, especially in sol- 
diers, w^ho, he believed, needed divine favor above 
other men. The majority of the newly-enlisted men 
looked upon a soldier's life as one entirely free from 
restraint, and many murmured at the Puritanical views 
of their new colonel. They did not applaud him with 
the spirit they would have manifested had he shown 
himself less a disciplinarian and more a maker of fine 
compliments. But later, when they realized his sterling 
worth and sincere interest in them, they trusted him, and 
would have followed him into any danger. 

When passing through New York, a silken banner was 
presented to the regiment, and the officers were enter- 
tained at a public dinner given at the Astor House. In 
his speech accepting the flag, which wm presented by 



64 HOWAKD : THE CHRISTIAIsr HERO. 

Assistant District-Attorney Stewart L. Woodford, in the 
old White Street arsenal, Colonel Howard said : 

" I "was born in the East, but I was educated by my count^3^ I 
know no section ; I knov/ no party, and I never did. I know only 
my country to love it, and my God that is over my country. We go 
forth to battle, and we go in defence of righteousness and liberty, 
civil and religious. "We go strong in muscle, strong in soul, because 
we are right. I have endeavored to live in all good conscience be- 
fore God, and I go to battle without flinching, because the same 
God that has given His Spirit to direct me has shown me that our 
cause is righteous ; and I could not be better placed than I am now, 
for He has given me the warm hearts of as noble a regiment as the 
United States has produced." 

At the dinner given to the officers of the regiment 
Colonel Howard's temperance convictions w^ere charac- 
teristically illustrated. The company, consisting of some 
of New York's best-known citizens, proposed to pledge 
him in a bnmper. All rose. The guest of the evening 
took up his glass of water, and made this brief response 
to the toast : 

" Gentlemen, our country is in peril ; I go at its call to do my 
duty. The true beverage of a soldier is cold water , in this I pledge 

you." 

Every wine-glass was put down, and the toast was drunk 
in water. 

He had not intended to influence the actions of others, 
and was somewhat disconcerted when lie saw the effect 
of his words. Absorbed in the serious duties before 
him, and solemnly impressed with the responsibility he 
had undertaken, his intensity of feeling had led him into 
what he feared his kind hosts would look upon as a 
breach of etiquette, despite the hearty approval of his 
course, conveyed through the medium of applause. 

Mrs. Howard, with her little children, accompanied 
her husband to the depot, and while crossing the river 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 65 

she was introduced to tlie officers of tlie regiment. Mr. 
"Woodford, wlio was one of the party, presented the chil- 
dren of their colonel to the regiment, and the men, 
fresh from their own firesides, gathered about the little 
boy and girl seated on either of Mr. "Woodford's shoul- 
ders. War was a new experience awaiting the soldier, 
and their hearts were easily moved by reminders of 
family and home, now forsaken for an uncertain fate. 
The future seemed darkly outlined on the political hori- 
zon, and departures of troops w^ere occasions of sadness. 

After bidding her husband farewell, Mrs. Howard 
went to Augusta, Me., to reside, choosing that city be- 
cause it vfas the home of the majority of the officers and 
many of the soldiers of the regiment. She desired to be 
with the families of the men w^ho had gone with her hus- 
band to the war. 

The arrival in Washington of Colonel Howard and his 
gray-clad men was greeted with satisfaction by the anx- 
ious Secretary of War, who welcomed the coming of 
troops commanded by West Point officers. In sympathy 
with the homesickness of the men, who were enduring 
for the first time in their lives a soldier's fare, empty 
barracks, and cheerless meals, he gave the regiment a 
supper at W illard' s Hotel. Army officers laughed at his 
sentiment, but the people of Maine loved him for his 
kind heart, and the generous governor had the bill paid 
by the State, saying that Howard had done enough in 
devising the thoughtful j^^?-^^- The regiment was im- 
mediately put in training for the task before it, and 
the hard work of its colonel at once won the confidence 
of the men. Colonel T. W. Osborne, who was long 
of his staff, says that he never saw another officer so in- 
tensely solicitous for the care and welfare of his men 
at all times, that they should be clothed, fed, well en- 



6Q HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

camped, not over-fatigned ; that they should not be 
treated roughly by mounted officers riding along the line 
of iparch, and that their moral and religious wants should 
never be neglected. It is needless to portray the toil 
and anxiety he went through in those days of 1861. 
Men were commissioned or enlisted fresh from the 
fields, the shops, the schools, necessarily without the 
knowledge or training of soldiers, and they were to be 
physically remodelled and mentally brought under re- 
striction and discipline. This work the colonel had to 
do, and shortly after his arrival and tlie pitching of his 
tents on Meridan Hill, near the college, it was not 
strange to see crowds witnessing the drills and parades of 
this splendid regiment. But the work and the ejffects of 
a sudden change of climate and diet produced illness, 
and in less than forty-eight hours he was at death's door 
with camp cholera. He owed his life to his splendid 
physique. His physician, Surgeon G. S. Palmer, said 
of him that he had never found before such recuperative 
energy in any system as in his. In a few days he was 
on his feet again and at his w^ork. Among the observers 
of Colonel Howard's diligence in preparing his regiment 
for the front was General Irvin McDowell, and one day, 
after laughing at the prediction of an army friend that 
he would be the first brigadier from Maine, he was the 
recipient of a note from General McDowell, through the 
War Department, directing him to select three other 
regiments besides his own for his command. He took 
three Maine and one Yermont regiments, and this bri- 
gade formed a part of the hasty levees which McDowell 
hurried into Yirginia to meet Beauregard and Johnston 
in the first large battle of the great war — that of Bull 
Eun— fought July 21st, 1861. 

Colonel Howard and his men^ stood ready that day, 



i 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 67 

according to orders, the latter burdened with their knap- 
sacks, their ammunition, and their equipments, from half- 
past two A.M. till the sun was an hour high. Many grew 
faint and became ill, and at last, as the march began, 
numbers sat down by the roadside, unable to go farther. 
Forward the troops marched toward Sudley Springs, 
halting en route within hearing of the continuous thun- 
der of the heavy guns and the indescribable rattle of 
distant musketry. At one time, as he sat on his horse 
waiting for the order to enter the combat, Howard's 
heart sank within him and his strength began to fail. 
He realized the fact w^ith a momentary feeling of mis- 
giving, and then he prayed : '^ O God, help me and 
enable me to do my duty !" The spell at once passed off, 
and he was possessed of a cheerful calmness, which did 
not leave him during that awful day. Orders came for 
him to move his brigade as quickly as he could to the 
relief of Heintzelman, and soon his men were hurrying 
into their first battle. As they came nearer, the bomb- 
shells burstinsr over their heads attestino; the fierce work 
going on, some showed signs of fear ; and Colonel How- 
ard, to encourage them, halted at the head of his column, 
and had his entire brigade pass by him as if in review. 
The men looked up into his face, and reading the resolu- 
tion and confidence expressed there, gave him an answer- 
ing smile as they passed on to their places in the battle 
line, followed by his silent prayers. 

It will be found in the life of General Howard that 
his more sterling qualities are brought to light in adver- 
sity. When others are sorely troubled, he has his faith 
strengthened by prayer ; and when there is really nothing 
left but failure, he folds his hands serenely, and wears 
that intense expression which indicates to his friends 
upon what themes his thoughts are concentrated. 



68 IK>WA1U) : THE CIIRTSTIAN" HERO. 

Ill tlie encampment, before marcliing for the battle- 
field, one who was j)resent sajs of Howard : 

'* It was a solemn and impressive scene there on the hill-side, when 
Colonel Howard, Cromwell-like, assembled his brigade in four lines, 
facing toAvard the base of the sloj^e on which they stood, and 
taking his place in front of them, with his chaplain at his side, in- 
dicated his wish to have them hear a prayer. Four thousand men 
uncovered their heads while the chaplain prayed, and when the 
prayer was ended the colonel addressed to them a few words of hope 
and counsel, and impressed upon them the necessity now for a com- 
plete trust in God, before whom they should be ever ready to ap- 
pear. The majority of the men could not understand one who was 
always prepared for a battle or a prayer-meeting, and who seemed to 
have no fear of consequences anywhere." 

The Second Vermont Regiment in Howard's Brigade, 
after the first battle of Bull Hun, was much attached to 
General Howard. After he had been promoted and left 
them, a deputation of non-commissioned ofiicers, who had 
just been j^romoted, came to his headquarters and pre- 
sented him with a sword, sash, and belt. The sword 
bears the following inscription : ''Palmam qui meruit 
ferat. Tuum est. ■ ' * This sword has ever been treas- 
ured by General Howard, and has been used by him on 
frequent occasions since that day. During his visit to 
Europe in 188i, he wore this token of his comrades' affec- 
tion and respect, when representing the American army 
at the autumn manoeuvres of the French forces. 

The famous battle of Bull Run was fought on a Sun- 
day, and it produced a great sensation throughout the 
country. The outrage on its Christian feelings, because 
of the violation of the Sabbath, impressed the people 
with the dreadful horrors of war. The soldiers, once 
removed from the influences of home and old associa- 
tions, and other causes arising which need not be 

* *' Let him bear the palm who merits it ; it is thine." 



HOWARD : THE christia:n' hero. 69 

detailed, went to extremes, and in consequence great 
demoralization prevailed among them. Siibsequentlj, 
General McClellan tried to improve matters by issuing 
tlie following order : 

"The major-general commanding desires and requests that in 
future there may be a more perfect respect for the Sabbath on the 
part of his command. We are fighting in a holy cause, and should 
endeavor to deserve the benign favor of the Creator. . . . One day's 
rest in seven is necessary to men and animals. More than this, the 
observance of the holy day of the God of mercy and of battles is our 
sacred dut}^" 

The state of affairs which this order was intended to 
rectify was, as conld be imagined, very galling to Gen- 
eral Howard's feelings, and great was his satisfaction 
v\'hen it was issued by his chief. He has always admired 
its beautiful spirit, and being the first case of the kind, 
it made a lasting impression on his mind. 

General McDowell, aware of the efforts made after 
the defeat of Bull Run by many officers to obtain pro- 
motion, and anxious to have Colonel Howard receive his 
star, went to the President, without prompting, and asked 
that it should be bestowed on him. Senator Fessenden, 
of Maine, also urged this recognition of merit, and 
on September 3d, 1S61, he became a brigadier-general 
of volunteers. 

General Howard was a constant correspondent, and 
his home circle retain many letters written from the 
field. A few excerpts from several penned during the 
gloomy summer of 1861 are permitted to be used, and 
are inserted here as giving a glimpse of his interior life. 

To his Wife. 

" Washington, D. C, June 11, 1861. 
" Poor John Greble's death struck me like a thunderbolt this after- 
noon. It seems to have been a disastrous fight under incompetent 



70 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN- HERO. 

leaders. His parents, his wife, and tlie French's— what sorrow for 
all ! I remember now the relation I have assumed of godfather to 
little Clara. I recall the walks and talks that Johnny and I have had 
together, and sorrow fills my heart. 'Be ye also ready ' sounds plainly 
for you and me, darling. God must comfort them, I shall write 
Mrs. Greble as soon as I can have heart to do it. I hear also that 
Warren [afterward General Warren] is slain. I hope it is a mistake. 
To-night my band came to my tent and played a piece in honor of 
Lieutenant Greble, and the soldiers crowded around and heard what 
I said of him in great sorrow. ..." 

To Same. 
" AiiEXANDKiA, Va., Sunday, July 7, 1861. 
" I hope I shall have a chance to go to church, a part of the day at 
least. Oh L., I should like to be at home to-day, where there is a 
different aspect of things from what we find here ! The city is 
gloomy indeed : nearly all the houses shut up ; beautiful residences 
deserted ; no business transacted, except what an army carries with it. 
' ' Soldiers at the best are like locusts : fences and trees are con- 
sumed, and private property generally is much infringed upon. . . ." 

To Same. 

" Sangstees, July 18, 1861. 
(Just before first BuU'Run.) 
" I wish we had men who had more regard for the Lord. We 
might then expect His blessing. ..." 

To Same. 
" Centeeville, Ya,, July 20, 1861. 
'* We haven't j^et been in battle. The Lord will take care of us ; 
(but) if we were not so wicked He would not bring such disaster upon 
us as Tyler's defeat. . . . Above all, remember me constantly at the 
throne of grace. ..." 

To his Little Bay. 

"Bush Hill, Va., July 25, 1861. 
(Just after Bull Eun.) 
*' Mrs. Scott lives here with four little children. She asked your 
papa to conduct prayers this morning. The little ones repeated the 
Lord's Prayer after me, as you and Grace do, and it makes joapa cry 
to think of it. Oh, my son, do love God and serve Him ! . . . May 
God bless and keep you all, for Christ' s sake !" 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 71 

To his Wife. 

" August 1, 1861. 
" Mr. M. wonders how I can be so completely engrossed with ray 
official duties and say so little about my family, particularly when I 
have so interesting a family. I told him it was because I exercised 
faith in God, who is able to protect and care for them, and is willing 
to do so. I do pray to Him constantly for you, and Guy, and Grace, 
and little Jamie. I do regard you all as sacred treasures that will be 
kept in store for me, while I am trying to do my duty for my country. 
There are untold trials after a defeat. Everybody is sick in body or 
in heart. . . . Grumbling, fault finding, and charges against my 
officers come to me from every quarter ; but thus far my heart has 
been light. I try to do my duty as I have done heretofore, and don't 
worry. I think of Mrs. Greble and her dear little children often, 
and try to remember them in prayer. . . . There seems to be a 
want of principle and true f)atriotism among our friends. I don't 
know what we will come to." 

To Same. 

" August 8, 1861. 
" There are over one hundred sick in each regiment. . . . They 
are quite well cared for, though it is rather sickening to go through 
that Clermont House, where there are so many poor fellov/s to- 
gether. ... I visited nearly every room last Sunday morning, and 
tried to say a word for my Saviour to them. Charles thinks we fall 
far short of living such lives as Vicars and Hav clock did." 

To Same. 

"August 15, 1861 
"... I couldn't think of going home, as delightful as it would be, 
even if I could get a leave, after having refused so many poor sol- 
diers. . . . Lieutenant M. thinks I have sweet little children, and 
so do I. God bless them and help them to grow up to do His M'ill." 

To a lady who wrote General Howard, with bitter com- 
plaints, after the Bull Run confusion, he sajs : 

" August 24, 1861. 

"I thank you for writing me just as you believed and felt. . . . 
Permit me to say that you have been entirely misinformed with 
regard to me by some one. [Then follows a full explanation of the 
causes of the destitution and other evils complained of.] I shall, dear 
madam, take the greatest pains to do my duty, and, as you say, ' God 
is my Judge.' I ask no better. I have worked for my command 
early and late. 1 have been without proper food and sleep, and 



72 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAI^ HERO. 

Bometiraes I am weary — weary ; and then I am misrepresented and 
misunderstood ! Still, I believe the soldiers love me, and know that 
I have left no stone unturned to get them their dues. 

" I am truly sorry for the iinpopularity that awaits me in your sec- 
tion, but I have been unpopular before ; the thing that I want is to 
see the men provided for, contented and happy, and ready for duty. 
. . . My religion consists in striving to do my duty." 

Referring to tlie plundering of the soldiers, in a letter 
to his wife dated August 25th, 1861, he sajs : 

" You ask about robbing Clermont. The Hospital Department of 
my regiment, without my knowledge or consent, took all the bed- 
ding, some divans, and, I think, crockery and cooking utensils, and 
I learn that plate has been taken, and that the house has been com- 
pletely ruined. The defence is that it belongs to secessionists ; this 
is true, but we do not allow people to steal even secession property. 
I have had to fight this propensity to steal ever since I have been 
here. Nothing will be safe in Maine when we get home." 

Edrad from Letter to Mrs. Iloicard. 

" Headquaetees Thied IMaine Volunteees, ) 
September 15, 1861. j" 

" My deaeest Wife : I haven't yet left my regiment, as you see by 
the heading (Monday morning). After I wrote the above line I was 
employed all day without intermission. The men are bringing me 
their money to send by express to their friends, and it has made me 
a good deal of extra work. I am going to Washington this morning 
to send the money and make other arrangements. I am disappointed 
in Major Staples not returning before this. It will make me behind 
everybody in the choice of my brigade. I should not have gone to 
West Point if you had been there now, darling [she was in Maine], 
for I shall not show myself at the North under reverse if I can help 
it. It is no time to leave one's command now. Political generals 
may do it, but army generals had better keep the field and keep their 
eyes open, not for credit, but for the salvation of the country. We 
have had glory enough ; now is the time for work." 

"While awaiting assignment to a command General 
Howard remained in Washington, and from there, 
under date of October 22d, 1861, he wrote a letter to 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAiq- HERO. 73 

liis wife, in wliicli is a reference to General Baker. He 

says : 

"This morning we have the sad news of General Baker's death 
and the fear that we have met with a defeat again in the vicinity of 
Leesburg (Ball's Bluff). The enemy manage in every encounter to 
outnumber us. God has not yet seen fit to withhold His hand from 
humbling us, neither will He, I fear, till we have to acknowledge 
Him. ' The battle is not always to the strong.' General Baker is 
the Senator from Oregon. ... I am glad you took [step] father's 
bond, for father's sake. I do not mind taking an interest in the Gov- 
ernment loan. I think the very debt that is accumulating will cement 
us, unless there comes a general break-up, which nobody can account 
for. ... I met the Prince de Joinville, and exchanged a word with 
him about General Baker's death. He says 'he died a soldier's 
death, fighting for his country.' I think he must have been a little 
rash in exposing himself, and I feel especially the regret that one of 
our first men should be sacrificed to so little purpose." 

To his Wife. His first Letter after Promotion to Brigadier-General. 

"September 4, 1861. 
' * I have been appointed brigadier-general. I hesitate now whether 
it is better for the country, for the cause of Christ, and for my poor 
self to take or decline the position. . . . May God direct us all in 
the way He would have us walk !" 

Howard spent the fall and winter of 1S61, after the 
disasters of Bull Kun, in camp near Alexandria, Ya. 
Here he occupied his time in industriously drilling his 
men and in teacliing them every requirement pertaining 
to their calling. He made them practise firing, with 
himself in front of them, and instructed them that they 
must be cool enough in action not to hit him or any 
other officer he put there to lead them. This brigade, 
which YV2iS a new one assigned him after his promotion as 
brigadier- general, became a strong oue, passing through 
the most desperate battles, but never failing to honor 
General Howard, who gave it its first lessons in discip- 
line and organization. General Sumner, w^hom he 
names as the ''strict, straightforward, brave general," 



74 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAlsr HERO. 

commended General Howard liiglilj for Ms Scrnpulons 
fidelity during this period of preparation. 

In the spring of 1862 the Confederates, nnder General 
Joseph E. Johnston, withdrew from Centreville too soon 
for General McClellan's plans ; the latter, however, hur- 
ried forward Sumner's division and some cavalry and 
other troops to follow up his retreat, while he himself 
took his army down the Potomac to Yorktown. Sumner, 
in command of the Second Corps, hastened the pursuit 
of Johnston, with French's, Howard's, Blenker's, and 
Meagher's troops, and made his first halt at Warrcnton 
Junction. Tiien the corps went to the Peninsula, land- 
ing at Shipping Point. General Howard was intrusted 
with the dangerous exploit of a reconnoissance forward 
to the Pappahannock from Warrenton Junction, and 
drove the enemy across it. In this short expedition he 
met the troops of his Confederate classmate and former 
intimate. General J. E. B. Stuart, wdio in his retreat 
across the river burned the bridge behind him. "While 
Howard's troo]3S cam23ed for the night at the river's 
side, the enterprising Stuart is said to have visited the 
neighborhood of the camp during the darkness, and re- 
connoitred the position of his old friend. Finding him 
altogether too well prepared against a surprise, he with- 
drew to the opposite side of the stream. The booming 
of the guns next morning could be heard by the troops 
at Warrenton, and General Sumner was anxious for the 
safety of the command until he received a message from 
Howard to the effect that Stuart's cavalry, which had 
slowly retired from point to point, disputing every mile 
of the way, was now out of the way of the army's prog- 
ress. General Sumner was much pleased with the young 
general, who accomplished his hazardous undertaking 
with so little loss of men or time. 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 75 

While on tlie marcli to the Peninsula, as in camp at 
Alexandria, General Howard, while attending to his 
military duties, almost constantly devoted some time to 
religious observances. He kept the Sabbath day holy, 
and induced others to do so ; held meetings in his tent, 
and encouraged the officers wdio attended to a greater 
faith and more willing service in the Master's work. 
Happily for those who loved him he kept well and was 
always cheerful, hopeful, and busy. His recreation w^as 
in visiting the hospital, lending religious books, reading 
the Bible, and praying with the sick. Disagreeable days, 
when it rained and time hung heavily on the hands of 
those around him, he would invite all who would come to 
his tent to hold a religious meeting and talk over the things 
that concerned their mental and spiritual development. 
He was so happy in his faith, that he could not realize the 
entire absence of such a feeling on the part of any one, 
and he knew no greater delight than in sharing his sj^ir- 
itual peace and contentment with others. He never 
wanted to be alone or apart from those who were, like 
himself. Christians ; they were his kinsmen, and he made 
his tent a meeting-place and a quiet retreat always for 
raen wishing to chat with him or read and pray together. 
In the bloody battle of Williamsburg, fought the 4th and 
5th of May (1862), it was not permitted General Howard 
to take part ; he could not get his troops forward in 
time, though they marched all night through the deep 
mud and rain. In the morning, when he reached the 
battle-ground, the conflict, ^'fought," says General 
Webb, '' without a plan, with inadequate numbers, and 
at a serious sacrifice, without compensating result," was 
over. General Howard went over the field where the 
dead lay in numbers, and in one of his letters home he 
speaks of the prayer he is '' constantly making, that God 



76 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

will hasten tlie end of tliis horrible war.' ' From the time 
of his conversion in Florida he had been in the regular 
habit of visiting hospitals, for the purpose of talking and 
praying with the sufferers always there. And now, as 
soon as he had viewed the field of battle, he went into the 
hospitals, and sympathized with the wounded of both 
armies, who lay writhing in pain. The least kindness he 
could show the occupants of the cots — a glass of water 
here, a word or a look of interest there — he gave un- 
stintedly, and wherever he went men felt happier for his 
presence and his earnest '' God bless you !" 

His brigade was, a little later, ordered back to York- 
town, and from there to West Point, Ya. At the 
Chickahominy, near which occurred so many hard con- 
tests on and after the last day of May, General Johnston 
was waiting, his army drawn up in order and ready for 
the advancino; foe. General McClellan divided his 
army, Heintzelman's and Key's corps facing Johnston 
on the Richmond side of the river, and the main body 
on the other side, and much dispersed. While the river 
was low it was everywhere passable, and this separation 
was of no account ; but there came on a fearful storm ; 
the rain poured in torrents ; the waters rose rapidly, and 
the bridges began to give way. Johnston, taking ad- 
vantage of the favoring circurastances, began, the morn- 
ing of the 30th, a most vigorous attack, first attacking 
and displacing Casey's division. Before the day was 
over and the battle entirely lost to McClellan, Sumner, 
whom McClellan's orders had kept back, finally worked 
his way over the trembling bridges nearest the Fair Oaks 
Stq,tion, waded through the water and mud, and with 
Sedgwick's division and the troops he found on the 
ground, waged battle upon Johnston's ex]3osed flank. 
Johnston's troops, hitherto victorious, were suddenly 



HOAVARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 77 

checked by a force supposed to have been on the other 
side of the s^Yohen river. Johnston himself was severely 
wounded, and carried from the field. Yet the battle was 
not over. General Howard, now belonging to Richard- 
son's division, bore his part in the" second day's battle, 
and his name is imperishably associated with Fair Oaks. 
He showed extraordinary bravery among brave men, and 
fought with a courage as dauntless as it was abiding. 
Headley says of his conduct at Fair Oaks : 

" Howard exposed himself like the commonest soldier, until at last 
he was struck by a ball, which shattered his arm. Instantly waving 
the mutilated member aloft as a pennon, he cheered on his men to 
the charge, and was then borne from the field." 

He was first wounded in his sword arm, and his 
brother, near at hand, tying a bandage about it, he held 
it high in the air, and called for the men of his command 
to charge. He is represented, incorrectly, as having had 
the arm severed by a shell. 

Shortly before receiving this wound his horse was 
badly wounded in the shoulder. Waiting a few mo- 
ments for another horse, he caused his men to lie down 
and creep under the shelter of the railway embankment. 
As soon as a fresh horse was brought up he mounted and 
rode in front of his troops in line, and the men obeying 
his command with a shout, passed up through the woods 
and across the enemy's outer lines, taking prisoners. 

General Webb says of the fighting, which followed in 
front of General Casej^'s old camp : 

"The fire soon became the heaviest yet experienced, the enemy 
putting in fresh regiments five times to allow their men to replenish 
ammunition. This lasted for an hour and a half, when the enemy, 
unable any longer to bear the fire, fell back, but in the course of half 
an hour renewed the contest with re-enforcements, when an action of 
about an hour's duration ensued." 



78 HOWARD : THE CHRTSTIAJs- HERO. 

During this action General Howard was wounded for 
a second time in his right arm, this time bj a large 
miinie-ball, which tore through and broke the bones of 
the elbow. He was helped from the saddle by Lieuten- 
ant Mclntyre, of the Sixty-fourth New York, aided by 
one or two private soldiers. Soon after he turned his 
command over to .Colonel Barlow, and started for the 
rear. On the way, meeting his friend Colonel Brooke, 
he requested him to send Barlow re-enforcements. The 
loss of blood caused great faintness, and he was moving 
painfully along when a private, who was also wounded 
in the arm, though not so severely, put his well one 
around General Howard, and sustained his failing 
strength. 

The surgeons examined the disabled arm, and declared 
that it must come off ; and gaining his ready consent, the 
sufferer was carried to the hospital and put upon the 
operating-table. From the nature of the wounds the 
suffering was intense nntil the amputation was com- 
pleted. Then General Howard appeared to recover his 
usual vitality, which continued to sustain him. 

General Howard's brother Charles, who rose grad- 
ually from a private to brevet brigadier-general, was 
severely wounded in the same battle. The two brothers 
started from the field in the same train, and on reaching 
Fortress Monroe their wounds Avere dressed by the ven- 
erable Surgeon Cuyler, who had nursed Cadet Howard 
at "West Point through his long illness. 

An incident occurred at Fair Oaks Station between 
Generals Kearny and Howard which has been reported 
in so many ways that it is perhaps well to give the true 
details here. General Kearny was at the station to bid 
farewell to General Howard, and he jocularly remarked 
to him that he would be consoled during his absence from 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN^ HERO. 79 

the army by tlie sympathy of the ladies when he reached 
home. This officer's left arm had been sacrificed to his 
country's service, and General Howard calling attention 
to the fact, said '' they might buy their gloves together 
in future." ^' Sure enough," he replied, and then they 
parted, to meet no more in life.^ 

At Baltimore, New York, Boston, and Portland the 
attentions shown General Howard convinced him that 
his services were known and appreciated by the country. 
At Levviston, Me., the destination of the wounded 
heroes, a large crowd greeted them, a speech of welcome 
was made, and the tired and suffering general summoned 
strength enough to make a fitting rej^ly. He was then 
permitted to seek his wife and children, who, after the 
long and anxious separation, awaited his coming at their 
home on the other side of the river. 

At home once more, the careworn man, upon whose 
face were signs of the great anxieties he had experienced, 
sat down at his own table, with his lo^ed ones about 
him, and but for the empty sleeve hanging loose at his 
side they would have been wholly happy. This empty 
sleeve, which touched many hearts by its silent elo- 
quence, moved the poet, David Barker, to dedicate to it 
the following poem. The circumstances were as follows : 
In one of General Howard's addresses at Bangor, Me., 
while speaking one night from the steps of the Bangor 
House to a large throng of citizens in the street. Barker, 
the poet, stood within the hallway w^atching the scene 
and listening to the speaker's words. Suddenly the 
picture outlined itself on the poet's brain, and placing 
his paper against the wall, he wrote the verses substan- 
tially as they now stand. 



* General Kearny was killed at the battle of Cliantilly. 



80 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

'' By the moon's pale light to r, gazing throng, 
Let me tell one tale, let me sing one song ; 
'Tis a tale devoid of an aim or plan, 
'Tis a simple song of a one-arm man. 
Till this very hour I conld ne'er believe 
What a tell-tale thing is an empty sleeve— 
What a weird, queer thing is an empty sleeve. 

** It tells in a silent tone to all. 

Of a country's need and a country's call. 
Of a kiss and a tear for a child and wife, 
And a hurried march for a nation's life. 
Till this very hour who could e' er believe 
What a tell-tale thing is an empty sleeve — 
What a weird, queer thing is an empty sleeve ? 

" It tells of a battle-field of gore, 

Of the sabre's clash, of the cannon's roar, 
Of the deadly charge, of the bugle's note, 
Of a gurgling sound in a foeman's throat, 
Of the whizzing grape, of the fiery shell. 
Of a scene which mimics the scenes of heli. 
Till this very hour would you e'er believe 
What a tell-tale thing is an empty sleeve — 
What a weird, queer thing is an empty sleeve? 

** Though it points to a myriad wounds and scars. 
Yet it tells that a flag with the stripes and stars, 
In God's own chosen time will take 
Each place of the rag with the rattlesnake, 
And it points to a time when that flag shall wave 
O'er a land where there breathes no cowering slave. 
To the top of the skies let us all then heave 
One proud huzza for the empty sleeve — 
For the one-arm man with the empty sleeve." 



lY. 



At home and at work — Eaising volunteers— Returns to the Army of 
the Potomac — Battle of Fredericksburg — Views regarding Generals 
McClellan, Burnside, and others — The battle of Chancellorsville — 
Mr. Chancellor's opinion of General Howard's conduct. 

After a few days of rest and recuperation General 
Howard left liis bed, and commenced active religious and 
patriotic work. Within ten days he made two public 
addresses before a large religious convention ; spoke to 
political gatherings in favor of McClellan ; pleaded for 
volunteers, and promised to return with them to the 
field. On the Fourth of July he addressed an audience 
of several thousand men for a full hour. On this occa- 
sion a touching incident occurred. As he stood upon 
tlie platform after the meeting, a lady apparelled in 
mourning approached him, unattended, and putting her 
hand in his, said : " Oh, general, my husband, whom 
you helped to a commission after he and 1 treated you so 
badly, is dead. He was killed in battle !" The by- 
standers, who heard the hysterical exclamation of the 
poor woman, saw the quick, kindly response of the gen- 
eral, as he offered her his left hand, and spoke words of 
comfort and resignation. The past was forgiven, and 
both were glad of the meeting. 

The husband had written home grievous complaints 
after the first battle of Bull Run ; the wife had, in 
response to these, sent an anonymous letter to General 
Howard, full of reproaches and accusations of selfish 
conduct on his part. The latter had divined the source, 



83 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

made a careful reply, and, for subsequent good con- 
duct, recommended the liusband for advancement to a 
lieutenancy. General Howard nev^er met lier liusband 
again or knew of liis fate until the heart-broken widow 
described his death upon the field of battle while doing 
the duty he had given up family, home, and friends to 
perform. No man living would have been more prompt 
than General Howard to relieve the sufferings of another 
under the circumstances, and the public interview be- 
tween the two was not lost upon the observant multitude, 
many in it knowing the facts of the case. 

At Brunswick he spoke to a great throng, among 
whom were many of his old teachers of Bowdoin Col- 
lege. His reference to his lost arm created great enthu- 
siasm. Calling upon men to enlist for the service of 
their country, he added that he wanted them to go with 
him and help him recover the ground where it was 
buried — ground which, as all present knew, McClellan 
had lost in his retreat after Howard's departure."^ 

The endeavors of General Howard, with Senator Lot 
Morrill, Barker, and others, to raise the assigned quota 
of volunteers in his native State were crowned with suc- 
cess. He canvassed the State, and his brief and serious 
appeals for volunteers were wonderfully effective. 
Great crowds greeted him with a hearty welcome, and 
wherever he a]3peared his utterances were received with 
respect and approval. His earnestness touched all men. 
They would look at his pale face and empty sleeve as he 
pleaded with them to go to the rescue of their country, 
and weep like children. Even those opposed to the 



* While in Kome, in 1884, General Howard met the distinguished 
artist, Mr. Simmons, who recalled the words of this address. He 
was a young lad at the time, but they made an impression which the 
lapse of years has not elfaced. 



HOWARD : THE CHKISTIAI^ HERO. 83 

party in power and the measures being adopted to put 
down the rebelhon yielded ready assent to his persua- 
sions, and many enhsted solely from his version of the 
public need and from a trust in the results he predicted. 
Extremists, such as were known in France as ^'Red 
Republicans," were ever disappointed in Howard ; they 
expected a partisan, one who would denounce and cast 
imprecations uj^on his enemies ; but he was never heard 
to speak either harshly or depreciatingly of the Confed- 
erates. He would say, in his moderate, thoughtful way, 
" They are undoubtedly wrong ; they are mistaken ; 
how happy we shall be when the struggle is over, and 
tlie Union restored !" Beyond utterances like these he 
would not go. There was no hate in his heart — no hos- 
tility toward any man. He was a soldier, not a partisan. 
His motives were pure, and his desire was to be an in- 
strument for good in the sad w^ork in which the Govern- 
ment was engaged. His aid was invaluable in raising 
troops, and Governor Washburne gave him the credit of 
filling the State's quota of men in that darkest period of 
the war. His earnestness was the irresistible weapon 
wliich none could resist. He was better than an enthu- 
siast for the task he was trying to accomplish, for he was 
able to arouse enthusiasm in others. 

After an absence of two months and twenty days from 
the army, nearly the whole of which he spent in travel- 
ling about and making speeches, he rejoined General 
McClellan's army as it came back from the Peninsula. 
Here he w^as assigned to the command of a new brigade, 
wliich Senator Baker, who was killed at Ball's Blaff, had 
organized and named the " Calif ornian Brigade." It was 
composed of Pennsylvania soldiers, and General Burns 
had just been wounded and retired from its head. The 
first battle in w^hich he was engaged with these troops 



84 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

was the closing reconnoissance of General Pope, as Gen- 
erals Lee and Jackson threw liim back upon Washington 
after the second battle of Manassas. In the depressing 
retreat that followed, when General McClellan came 
back to take command, he inquired regarding the dispo- 
sition of the troops. He observed, after hearing that 
General Howard was in command of the rear-guard of 
the Chain Bridge column, '' There could not be a better 
selection." 

At Antietam General Howard succeeded General 
Sedgwick in command of his division (Second Division, 
Second Corps) when the latter was wounded in charging 
the enemy's troops, which occuj^ied a formidable posi- 
tion in a thick wood. 

Regarding the battle of Antietam — a battle in which 
victory was claimed by both sides, and concerning which 
recrimination and fault-finding were widely indulged in 
at "Washington — General Howard, in a letter, described it 
as a triumph for Lee. The plans of the Union generals 
were good, but their execution was bad. Howard be- 
lieved that if Burnside had been an hour earlier on the 
field Lee's army would have suiSPered a great defeat. 
Lee's generalship he considered superb, and Burnside's 
movements vigorous, but not successfully supported. 

General Sedgwick's grand division had received a 
severe check, and lost some ground before General 
Howard came to the command. He helped to 
gather the men and put them into line. The troops 
after that did not accomplish mtich, but kept their 
ground, and contributed to the general result, which was 
a victory for the Union army, thongh not a very de- 
cisive one. Howard's division stayed to bury the dead 
— a dreadfully offensive task, there being many horses 
on the field as well as men. The thick atmosphercj full 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAIT HERO. 85 

of the smoke of the burning animals, made General 
Howard quite sick for several days, but he went with 
his command to Harper's Ferry, and then left the field 
for a few days. "When he returned to that point the 
army was on the march southward toward General Lee, 
and was already below the Rappahannock. General How- 
ard took a conveyance and followed the arjny through 
an unguarded part of Yirginia, till he overtook it near 
Rectortown. The day after he arrived (E"ovember 
7th, 1862) orders came for the relief of McClellan and 
the appointment of Burnside. Lee withdrew and crossed 
the Potomac, and Porter's command, which followed 
him, suffered severel}'. 

Howard heard, of the change of commanders with 
surprise and sincere regret, and wrote in his letters home 
most touchingly regarding the subject. An apology is 
hardly needed for quoting General Howard's opinion 
about the two principal characters who figured in this 
army. Opinions form the integral part of a man's nature ; 
the world of thought is perhaps as real as the world of 
facts. Incidents but exhibit one side of a man's charac- 
ter, whereas thoughts reveal another and more important 
side. For instance, the publication of Carlyle's opin- 
ions about his contemporaries has shown to the world 
most forcibly its mistaken estimate of that profound 
thinker. 

Speaking of McClellan 's conduct on receipt of the 
news of his removal. General Howard says : 

" Burnside betrayed more feeling than McClellan ; the latter, after 
reading the dispatch, passed it to Burnside, and said, simply : * You 
command the army. ' . . . The next morning I turned out my troops 
and drew them up beside the road to give a parting salute to General 
McClellan. He rode along the line ; the tattered colors were lowered ; 
the drums beat, and the men cheered him. Burnside rode quietly by 
his side. At my last interview he said to me : ' Burnside is a pure 



86 HOWAKD : THE CHRISTIAN- HERO. 

man and a man of integrity of purpose, and such a man can't go far 
astray.' 

" One other remark I have preserved : ' I have been long enough 
in command of a large army to learn the utter insignificance of any 
man unless he depend on a Power above.' 

" It is easy to see from the details which I have given why the 
officers and soldiers were so much attached to McClellan. 

" Soon after this interview I met Burnside, who appeared sad and 
weary. He had been for two nights almost wdthout sleep. He re- 
marked in my presence that he had concluded to take the command 
of the army, but did not regard it as a fit subject for congratula- 
tion." 

There was widespread op230sition toward Burnside on 
tlie part of many officers, whose affection for McClellan 
outweighed every other feeling. This the new com- 
mander knew, and calling together a number of officers, 
he addressed them on the subject. General Howard was 
one of many who listened to his manly protest against 
their hostility toward himself, and he was one of those 
who gave him loyal support from first to last, as he did 
every officer who ranked him. 

His note-books are full of references to his fellow- 
officers, and from first to last there is not a harsh expres- 
sion. General Reno fell at the battle of " South Moun- 
tain" — a battle which preluded Antietam, and General 
Howard finds time to record his appreciation of this man. 
'' True and strong" lie styled Reno, and tlien he writes 
of him and of other officers whose eyes were there closed 
in death : '^ When they awake, may it be in the likeness 
of the Man of Peace and clad in the garments of the 
redeemed !" 

Into battered and deserted Fredericksburg General 
Howard accompanied his brigade on the evening of 
December 12th, 1862. On the morning of the 13th, as 
he sat with his officers at breakfast, a charming old lady 
who lived near by accosted him with an assurance that 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIANS" HERO. 87 

tlioiTgli they had taken Fredericksburg, the South would 
yet win the day. She was firm in her faith, and tliough 
the general predicted a different ending of the war, she 
smilingly asserted that her foes would have a '' Stone- 
wall • ' to encounter, '' Hills'' to climb, and a '' Long- 
street" to wander through before they had finished their 
task. She watched the officers as they listened to the 
usual morning reading of the Scriptures by the general, 
and heard their cheerful words as they separated to 
attend to their respective duties. The old lady was 
struck wdth their actions, and said to General Howard, as 
he bade her good-morning : ^ ' Xow I fear you more 
than ever, for 1 had understood that all Lincoln's men 
were bad." She wondered, she said, at his cheerfulness 
on the eve of battle, and was surprised that there were 
Christians among the Yankees. 

The next day was almost fatal to the Union cause. 
General Howard came into action again with his divi- 
sion, and took part in the hopeless fight, which proved a 
slaughter for the Federal trooj^s, in front of General 
Lee's prepared defensive works on Marye's Heights. 
The loss in his division, which remained in close prox- 
imity to the foe till far into the night, was sixty- four 
officers and eight hundred and thirteen men. The poor 
fellows lay in clusters all over the hill-side, and far into 
the night the living fought over the ground and strug- 
gled against the fate that was irrevocable. General 
Burnside retired to the north side of the river on the 
night of the 15tli inst., and the weary army rested after 
its fierce and almost fruitless effort. 

The letters which General Howard constantly wrote 
to his wife from the front gives us an insight into the 
real character of the man. The winter following his 
return from his forced furlough at home was one of the 



88 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

most depressing periods of the war. The outlook was 
gloomy, and not even the most cheerful could foresee 
any hope of a termination of the terrible struggle now at 
its fiercest jDoint, He writes : 

" Men are getting discontented, restless, complaining — their hearts 
are failing, money is growing scarcer, business is paralyzed. Now is 
the time for all men of true patriotism and courage to stand fast ; we 
must as a people see hard times ; we must be humbled before the 
Lord will exalt us." 

He was constantly visiting the sick in hospitals and 
holding meetings in his tent for Bible-reading and 
prayers. In a letter written to his mother just before 
the battle of Fredericksburg, dated Falmouth, Ya., 
December 2d, 1862, he says : 

"... "We are still in the same place. I heard that we were to 
have re-enforcements — General Couch said some sixteen thousand 
to the right grand division. We shall then probably halt till these 
troops come up. The enemy have much heavy artillery across the 
river in position, and mean to contest our passage, and unless our 
crossing is managed very carefully w^e shall suffer a very heavy loss, 
if not defeat. It is the most difficult of military operations to cross 
a river in the face of an enemy of equal strength. We could 
easily have done it the day we arrived, but General Halleck had 
■withheld the pontoon-bridge, and it was impracticable to move over 
without it, and folly to throw over a small force for the enemy to 
crush, as at Ball's Blaff. We had to wait, and while waiting the 
enemy brought a hundred thousand men to our front, and Jackson 
brought some thirty thousand to threaten our base of supplies. 
So goes war, a game that both armies can play at, and one that the 
small item of a bridge may disconcert if the bridge is not at the 
right place at the right time. However we may get impatient, 
God's ways are not always our ways, and He will doubtless regulate 
us to His own praise. I feel that I am too little dependent on Him, 
too disposed to be ambitious. You must pray for me that I be kept 
in the right path." 

After the battle he wrote his wife from the Knox 
House, Fredericksburg, December 13th, saying : 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 89 

"... On Thursday we left camp at half-j^ast six a.m., and moved 
down near the raih'oad and near the place of crossing the river, . . . 
We got as far as Third Street, parallel with the river, and I ordered 
firing to cease as soon as it could be done. Pickets were placed. Our 
men were in the houses, and pillaging and destroying went on to 
some extent. Women and men who had spent the day in cellars came 
for protection ; some mothers brought little children for permission to 
cross the river. A few men got into wine-cellars and became pretty 
drunk, but no instance of abuse occurred that I heard of. I took 
headquarters in a little old house knocked to pieces somewhat by our 
shot ; did not sleep much, and went out frequently to quiet the men. 
Another brigade came over the bridge, built half a mile below, com- 
manded by Colonel Hawkins, Dexter's brother. This bridge was 
built like ours, by throwing over men in boats, after they heard 
what we had done. Colonel H. reported to me, and took post on my 
left. At three a.m. I went around the outlj'ing pickets, and found all 
quiet, no enemy near. At daylight I threw forward General Sully 
and Colonel Owens, took the whole town, and picketed the front 
range of heights near by. During the da}^ we have had a little skir- 
mishing. The enemy have shelled us from their hills, but the army 
has been crossing. General Franklin is over, so is General Sumner. 
To-day the heights will be attempted. By God's blessing we shall be 
successful. Burnside says he puts his trust in God. He made some 
remarks to a roomful of generals on Wednesday evening. He heard 
they had murmured ; he rebuked them, and told them he lacked, but 
his trust was in God, Solemn, noble, and manly were his remarks, 
and God will bless him. We are now in a house abandoned by Mr. 
Knox and near the front line. One or two shells have passed clear 
through it, but my room is in pretty good shape. Charles joined me 
the day before the battle ; is well and sleeping ; so is Mr. Stinson, 
Captain Whittlesey, and Mr. Atwood. Mr. Steel is sleeping on the 
floor near me. I am sitting on the floor by a fireplace which is like 
that of Professor Church's, writing on my lap, having inkstand, 
candlestick, and paper on a large portfolio, with Tom, a little colored 
boy, holding up the outer edge, Tom drops asleep now and then, 
when my candle, etc., with its light, and inkstand with its ink, slip 
down. But I wake Tom, and it is soon all righted. Tom also acts as 
paper-clamp at the bottom of the pages, Tom works for Captain W. 
and Charles, and, as you see, everybody works for me, darling, but 
rebels. Guy and Grace will be much interested in papa's letter, and 
Jamie can be told that papa found a little white pussy here, and a 
big, big dog, big as Lion. Much love to my precious children, and a 



90 HOWAED : THE CHRISTIAl^" HERO. 

prayer to God in their and yonr behalf, that He will bless you and 
keep you all as His faithful children. By the military committee I 
learn that I am unanimously recommended for a major-general. It 
seems less strange, now that I have become accustomed to a larger 
command. Oh, that I may increase in love to God, who so abun- 
dantly blesses me ! Much regard to Mrs. Stinson. Harry [Stinson] 
is a man, a brave and true one. He is among my blessings. . . . 
We may be in battle to-day. We trust in Gtd to do for us. 
** Affectionately, your own 

"Otis." 

To his Wife. 

" Neae FAI.M0UTH, Va., December 26, 1862. 

*' General Sedgwick has now returned and assumed command of 
the corps, and I have only my own division to attend to. The 
weather is rather warm, and I do not feel as strong as I wish I did, 
though I am well, and endure a great deal of fatigue. I am nervous, 
and feel, like Dr. Wiggin [one of the surgeons], as though a few days' 
rest would not hurt me. When I think of you, my patient little wife, 
suffering so much without complaint, I don't feel that I have a right 
to say ' I am tired.' Dr. Wiggin spent two days with me for rest and 
recuperation, and went back evidently refreshed. His eye was dead 
[dull], his flesh thin, and he looked worn. . . . You can hardly think 
how pleasant my tent is. John has got me a white table cloth and a 
tall brass candlestick from some place. My ground floor is now 
nearly covered with boards, and my fireplace and hearth very cheer- 
ful. John puts on big logs which last all night. . . . General Sedg- 
wick, who dined with us to-day, exclaimed, as he came in, * What a 
beautiful tent! I would as leave have it as a house.' General 
French has gone, and General Sully has been assigned to his divi- 
sion. There has been a reduction of generals of late. In this corps, 
the Second, there is not one commanding a brigade. All are wounded, 
dead, or on the shelf. 

"I did hope for success in the last battle [Fredericksburg]. I 
prayed for it when Hooker's men were giving way, but it was not the 
v/ill of God. Oh, we must wait on Him, and learn His will, and then 
do it ! Would that He would give me the wisdom ! I omitted to tell 
you that our noble General Couch was taken sick and obliged to 
leave. He expected to return, but I fear will not be able. I like 
General Sedgwick. I believe I always have good commanding offi- 
cers ; at least, I have had the good fortune to get along with 
them." 



1 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 91 

During the winter of 1862 the favorite son of Presi- 
dent Lincoln died, and the public heart saddened in 
sympathy with the grief of the head of the struggling 
nation. General Howard, in a letter to his wife, refers 
to the event in these characteristic words : 

*' You will have read of the death of Willie Lincoln before this 
reaches you, and perhaps think how the Lord tempers prosperity 
with sorrow. I hope He, in infinite wisdom, may make President 
Lincoln a Christian like George Washington. My trust is not in 
princes, but in God ; but no auspices are more satisfactory and 
promising than the work of the Lord in raising up men after His 
own heart to hold the rule. The inauguration of Jefferson Davis, 
encroaching upon the anniversary of Washington's birthday, is not 
by any means in joy or hope. Washington City and Kichmond are 
shadowed in sorrow, and I am hoping that good will come to us from 
both events. How calm, how firm, how constant a man can be if he 
has a real trust in his divine Master ! He knows, he feels that events 
are in good hands, and that all will be well— Jehovah Jireh." 

The defeat of Burnside, the withdrawal of his army, 
the few other futile attempts to renew the campaign, fol- 
lowed each other in quick succession. In January, 1863, 
Burnside was superseded by Hooker. It must be re- 
marked here that on the 29th of J^ovember preceding 
Howard had received promotion to the rank of major- 
general. 

The 2d of April (1863) General Howard went to 
Stafford Court-House, and assumed command of the 
Eleventh Corps. Of this time he thus writes : 

" As soon as General Sickles, who was my junior in rank, was 
assigned to the Third Corps, feeling that I had been overlooked, I 
T>'rote a brief letter to General Hooker, asking to be assigned accord- 
ing to my rank. Immediately I was ordered to take command of the 
Eleventh Army Corps, which General Sigel had just left in some 
dissatisfaction. . . . The corps was then, in round numbers, thir- 
teen thousand strong. It had about five thousand Germans and 
eight thousand men of American birth. . . . Outwardly I met a 
cordial reception, but I soon found that my past record was not 



92 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAiq' HERO. 

known here ; that there was much complaint in the German langnage 
at the removal of Sigel, who merely wanted to have his command 
projDerly increased, and that I was not at first getting the earnest and 
loyal support of the entire command. But for me there was no turn- 
ing back. I was soon permanently assigned, and did my best." 

A montli after liis assignment to the Eleventh Army 
Corps General Howard led it in the Chancellorsville 
campaign. He, with General Slocum, received much 
credit for the long and successful preliminary march 
around Lee's flank ; but after Hooker had begun his 
attack, on Friday, May 1st, he (Hooker) suddenly 
changed his mind, and drew back his troops to the 
ground first occupied, an indefensible position. The 
Eleventh Corps was on his right flank. Stonewall Jack- 
son was detached from Lee's corps on Saturday, with 
twenty-five thousand men, and under cover of tlie forest 
succeeded in getting around General Hooker's extreme 
right. While Jackson's march was progressing. General 
Hooker and others, thinking Lee's whole force was 
retreating, sent forward the Third and Twelfth corps 
from Howard's immediate left. These, it must be ob- 
served, were Sickles' and Slocum's corps ; and finally 
Howard's principal reserve was sent also. 

Howard was left with about eight thousand men, the 
nearest help being some two miles or more away, and 
then engaged in battle. Jackson, at about six o'clock in 
the evening, came speedily through the thick wood with 
his twenty-five thousand men, well organized and full of 
ardor. An attack was made, and the right brigade of 
the Union forces soon gave way, and not long after the 
other brigades followed, and a panic ensued. General 
Howard and many of his officers endeavored to change 
front ; he filled his cross intrenchments with his retreat- 
ing men, but nothing could keep them long standing 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 93 

firm. Stein wehr's division, occupying his left, faced 
about and lield on for an hour, and some of the batteries 
were well served. After falling back more than a mile 
General Howard met his friend, General Hiram Berry, 
of Maine, commanding a division. The two generals 
grasped hands, and General Howard said ; ^' Berry, you 
take the i-ight, and 1 will take the left of this road, and 
make a stand." A firm stand was accordingly made, and 
many cannon w^ere brought forward and located on a 
neighboring hill. General Pleasanton's troops, with 
others, had checked Jackson farther to the left, while 
General Howard was at this hill, working with all his 
might to rally men and place regiments in support of 
batteries. Berry's men did their part, but their gallant 
commander fell at the head of his column. The Con- 
federates, however, came no farther. 

The Eleventh Corps had the w^orst of it in this battle, 
and afterward and for a time was in disgrace, and Gen- 
erals Howard and Sedgwick have fared alike in the 
criticisms passed upon their generalship on that field. 
This was the only occasion where General Howard's rep- 
utation suffered. He was charged with having located 
his command in an indefensible position ; but he went 
precisely to the place he was ordered to occupy, and 
made good disposition of his men, intrench men ts, and 
covers for his artillery. He believed and asserted that 
had Barlow's command, his main reserve, not been car- 
ried away by Captain Moore, an aide of Hooker's, that 
the panic of his right would have been checked in time 
and the main field saved till re-enforcements from Chan- 
cellorsville could arrive. Under precisely the same cir- 
cumstances in subsequent battles, he was able to stop 
more than one fierce assault, by the means he then 
adopted, long enough for help to come. 



94 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

Colonel G. C. Ivniffin, of Kentucky, who was on 
General Stanley's staff during the war, gives this account 
of the conduct of General Howard at Chancellors ville, 
which was furnished him by a Southern gentleman who 
lived near the field of battle, and from w^hose family 
name that of the battle-field is derived : 

** Fortunately we have, to substantiate the narration of the day's 
operations as given by General Howard, the testimony of Kev. Mr. 
Chancellor, who lived at the Dovv'dall House, where General Howard 
had his headquarters. 

" Meeting Mr. Chancellor during the excursion, while returning 
from Sjaottsylvania, the writer asked him if he remembered the 
events of the day on which Jackson's forces charged the Eleventh 
Corps, and, if so, to be kind enough to give them to him in detail. 
He replied that every event of the day was ineffaceably impressed 
upon his memory, and made substantially the following statement : 
* I was living at the Dowdall House then, and General O. O. Howard 
made his headquarters there. The day before that on which the 
charge was made by Jackson General Hooker came out from Chan- 
cellorsville and rode with General Howard and several other officers 
along the line of General Howard's troops, and on his return I heard 
him say to General Howard and quite a number of officers who were 
assembled in the yard in front of the house : * ' You have a very 
strong position here, and if you do your duty you can hold it against 
anything." The next day everything was quiet ; the farm in front 
of the house was alive with men and animals, and the woods, extend- 
ing from the road beyond the junction of the Orange Eoad, around 
beyond the Hawkins's House, were full of men. Just as General 
Howard and his staff-officers sat down to dinner they jumped up and 
ran to the door. We all went out, and there seemed to be a good 
deal of commotion along the edge of the woods and a good deal of 
firing. General Howard called for his horse, and rode rapidly down 
the road toward the front. In a few minutes the field was swarming, 
with men, running for dear life, throwing away their guns and knaj)- 
sacks and everything that could impede their flight. Looking down 
the road, I saw that thousands of men were pressing toward Chancel- 
lorsville, and I saw General Howard and his officers trying to stop 
them. When they reached the Dowdall House I could hear him 
plainly. He turned his horse around, rose in his stirrups, and 
shouted : " Here, men ; form a line here !" but they paid no atten- 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 95 

tion to him — neither officers nor men —but ran on as fast as they 
could. As far as I could see him, he was begging them to stop, but 
to no effect. Yes, sir ; if there were anj- brave men on that field that 
day, General Howard was one of them. If they had obeyed him they 
would not have run away without fightiug, even if the}-^ had been 
whipped.' 

" A year later General McPherson, the splendid commander of the 
Army of the Tennessee, was killed at Atlanta. General Sherman chose 
General Howard to succeed him, and the inevitable conclusion is 
that the astute general of the army, during the hundred days of battle 
in the Atlanta campaign, had discovered qualities in the commander 
of the Fourth Corps that eminently fitted him to assume command 
of an army and department." 

General Howard was, of coarse, mortified at the repu- 
tation given the corps, and he begged, at Hooker's 
council, to be allowed to recover the esjyrit of his com- 
mand bj leading an attack. l!^apoleon would have per- 
mitted it, but Hooker, lacking his insight, refused. 
That General Howard disobeyed his orders or shrunk 
from his personal duty nobody who knows him believes. 
Certainly at the time General Hooker would have 
brought him to trial if he himself had believed it. The 
charge of disobedience came years after, and was ground- 
less. 

Concerning Chancellorsville, General Howard once 
remarked to the writer: ^'I think this battle perhaps 
the weakest link in my militarj^ record, but no military 
critics who have represented the facts just as they were 
have found any flaws in the dispositions within the limits 
allowed me." 

I It has been said that Howard answered certain Ger- 
mans who criticised his position that day by saying : 
'* Trust in God." That is not like him ; he is a man 
not given to disrespect, even toward the humblest. He 
did say, substantially,^' Let us obey our orders ; do the 
best we can, and trust the results with God." Such a 

i 



96 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAIN" HERO. 

rejoinder would be most like one who trusts all issues be- 
yond conscientious effort to the great Ruler of events. 

Some one once asked General Howard how he and 
''Stonewall" could both be answered by the God of 
heaven. Howard replied, thoughtfully, " We loere both 
answered. He won the battle and gave his life. I was 
put into the deepest valley of humiliation for that time, 
but was never sent there again. The cause for which I 
prayed was finally won, and my life was spared." 

Mr. Lincoln, when requested by an army delegation 
to remove General Howard, replied : " No, let him 
alone ; he is a good man. Give him time with his com- 
mand, and he will come out all right." 



Gettysburg — Tlie three days' fight — Honors to General Howard — Con- 
gress and the Maine Legislature thanli him — Hastened West— In 
command of the Army of the Tennessee. 

We next meet, in the history of the war, with the 
name of General Howard at Gettysburg, and the story 
of his work on that battle-field appears in different liglits 
as presented by different writers, though all agree to 
certain undoubted statements. He had clung to his 
Eleventh Corps, reorganizing it in some measure, and at 
this time Generals Barlow, Yon Steinwehr, and Carl 
Sclmrz commanded his three divisions. The 1st day of 
July (1S63) Hovrard set in motion his corps, under in- 
structions from his wing commander, General John F. 
Reynolds, who was bivouacked six miles nearer the field. 
Leaving the little town of Emmettsburg in two columns, 
he sent one colum.n, under Barlow, to follow the direct 
route behind Reynolds ; the other, with Schurz at its 
liead, moved eastward by Horner's Mill, and reached the 
famous Gettysburg Cemetery by the Taneytown Road. 
As soon as his men were well in motion General How- 
ard, accompanied by his staff and a small escort, hurried 
on through the fields, avoiding the crowded thorough- 
fares, with a view to join Reynolds and ascertain his 
plans and v/islies, for the instructions were for the Elev- 
enth Corps to keep within supporting distance. On ap- 
proaching the town he met a staff- officer of Reynolds 
after the firing on the Oak Ridge had begun. This 
officer reported that his general wished the Eleventh 



98 HOWAKD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

Corps to come quite up to Gettysburg. " Supporting 
distance" for the corps wliile in campaign had been live 
or six miles off. An enemy of unknown strength was 
in front, and with all haste General Howard moved for- 
ward to the highest point of Cemetery Hill, where he 
expressed to his adjutant, Colonel Meysenburg, his ap- 
preciation of that point and the neighboring ridge as the 
best defensive position in that region. Meysenburg 
responded that it was '^ the only position." At eleven 
o'clock General Howard went to the top of Falmestock's 
Observatory in the town, and w^as there with two maps 
spread out before him studying the field, while the roar 
of the battle beyond Oak E-idge reached his ears, and 
while Captain Hall, of his staff, and several orderlies 
were searching for Keynolds that he (General Howard) 
might join him if Reynolds so desired. His own corps 
was yet far back, obstructed on the shorter route by 
dreadful roads and by the trains of the other corps. The 
other route, by Horner's Mill, was thirteen miles, so that 
the two divisions there could not be expected till be- 
tween twelve and one o'clock. It was at this critical 
time, while putting his leading troops into position, that 
the wing commander fell. A staff-officer appeared be- 
low, in the street, and said, ^' General Howard, General 
Eeynolds is wounded !" '^ I am sorry," was the quick 
response ; and then, expressing the wish that he might 
be able to keep the field. General Howard turned to at- 
tend to a messenger, when another officer hurried in with 
the news, '' General Reynolds is dead, and you are the 
senior ofiicer here." The battle had begun ; prisoners 
taken indicated the presence of a large force ; Meade's 
main, body was far away, and the Union force at hand, 
inclusive of Buford's cavalry, did not exceed thirteen 
thousand ! 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 99 

A strong sense of responsibility came upon the young 
general, but lie met it promptly, and planned and acted 
without delay. Aides and orderlies were quickly 
despatched to Sclmrz, to Barlow, to Sickles at Emmetts- 
burg, to Slocum toward Baltimore, and away to Meade 
at Taney town. General Doubleday took the First 
Corps, Schurz the Eleventh, and Howard commanded 
the whole. On the cemetery crest General Howard had 
his own position. Steinwehr's division and the reserve 
corps of artillery were near by, and the remainder of the 
Eleventh Corps w^ere moved through the town, with 
Schurz at the head, and j)laced on to the right of 
the First Corps, already engaged. Then leaving his 
officers, orderlies, and escort there, wdtli the exception 
of two aides-de-camp. General Howard rode quietly 
down to the Emmettsburg Road, where, meeting General 
Barlow at the head of his column, he accompanied him 
through the principal streets of Gettysburg. The can- 
non-balls from the left were crashing chimneys and strik- 
ing houses, and shells were bursting in the air above. 
The inhabitants had nearly all fled, and the streets were 
given over to the troops. One young w^oman, alone and 
seemingly undaunted, stood on a porchway waving her 
handkerchief as the corps passed by. The soldiers re- 
sponded with a shout as they moved by the home-remind- 
ing vision. 

General Howard inspected his lines from right to 
left ; all told his men did not exceed twenty-four thou- 
sand, while General Lee had, more quickly than Meade, 
concentrated at least fifty thousand effective troops. As 
soon as word of the situation reached General Meade he 
sent General Hancock forward, and he reached the 
cemetery just as General Lee was pressing back the 
forces of Doubleday, Schurz, and Buf ord from the line 



100 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 

beyond tlie town. General Howard had j)revionsly 
ordered the retreat, and had covered it by a brigade 
from Yon Steinwehr in the enter edge of the village, 
and arranged batteries to do effective work against all 
who should approach his right. Under the terrific fire 
and rapid advance of Lee, his troops, however, except 
those at the cemetery, became mnch entangled and 
broken. It was then that Hancock arrived. The 
troops were rallied and well posted, stragglers were 
stopped and brought back, and everything made ready 
for the next attack, which Lee then but faintly attempted. 
Meeting with increased obstinacy, he withdrew and post- 
poned further attack until the next day. 

For this first day's work General Howard's name was 
associated with that of General Meade in the thanks of 
Congress, and he received also a beautiful recognition 
from the Legislature of his ovv^n State.* Whenever 
rivalry assails his record, the general's friends j)oint to 
the report of General Meade, which commended him for 
having selected the field for the great and decisive strug- 
gle of the contending armies ; to the eloquent words of 



* Resolution extending the thanks of the State of Maine to Major- General 
0. 0. Howard. 

Whereas, In times of national trial and war, the security and hap- 
piness of the people, the fame of the nation, and the permanence 
and progress of the country's institutions are committed to the cour- 
age, fidelity, and ability of patriotic soldiers, it becomes the duty, 
as it is the pleasure of an intelligent people, publicly and gratefully 
to honor those who have served them well, and particularly to ac- 
knowledge splendid individual achievement, even where all have 
done gloriously ; therefore, 

Eesolved, That the State of Maine has watched with deepest satis- 
faction the brilliant and successful military career of Major-Geneml 
O. O, Howard, and particularly his distinguished conduct on the 
Peninsula, at Gettysburg, and throughout the Georgia campaign, and 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 101 

Senator Grimes concerning tliat clay on tlie floor of the 
Senate, and to tlie unanimous and unsolicited approval, 
by formal vote, of tlie two distinguished legislative bodies 
referred to, as well as also to the press records of the 
time. In sending him the resolution, Mr. Blaine wrote 
him the following letter : 

" Washington, D. C, 28 January, 1864. 
" My deak Genekal : I enclose j-oii a copy of the joint resolution, 
v/hose adoption by a unanimous vote in both Lranches of Congress 
you have doubtless already noticed. 

" The effect of the resolution is to recognize you, and to perma- 
nently record ^''ou in the annals of the country'' as the hero of the great 
battle of Gettysburg, 

" I congratulate you on a result at once so just and generous on 
the part of the national Congress, and so honorable and auspicious to 
yourself. 

" I remain, very heartily, yoiir friend, 
(Signed) •' J. G. Blaine." 

IIajok-Geneeal IIowaed, etc. 

The joint resolution expressive of the thanks of Congress 
to Major-General Joseph Hooker, Major- General George 
G. Meade, Major-General Oliver O. Howard, and the 
officers and men of the Army of the Potomac, read thus : 

Eesolved hy the Senate and House of Eepresentaiives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the gratitude of the 



offers him the public thanks for the honor he has conferred on his 
native State. 

Resolved, That the Governor be requested to cause a copy of these 
resolutions to be transmitted to General Howard, 

In the House of Representatives, February 23d, 1865. Eead and 

passed. 

Y/. A. P. Dillingham, Speaker. 

In Senate, February 21th, 1865. Eead and passed. 

David D. Stewakt, President. 



February 2tl:th, 1865, Approved. 



Samuel Cony. 



103 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

American people and the tlianks of their representatives in Congress 
are due, and are hereby tendered, to Major- General Joseph Hooker 
and the o£acers and soldiers of the Army of the Potomac, for the 
skill, energy, and endurance which first covered Washington and 
Baltimore from the meditated blow of the advancing and powerful 
army of rebels led by General Kobert E. Lee ; and to Major-General 
George G. Meade and Major-General Oliver O. Howard, and the 
ofHcers and soldiers of that army, for the skill and heroic valor which 
at Gettysburg repulsed, defeated, and drove back, broken and dis- 
pirited, beyond the Eappahannock, the veteran army of the rebellion. 

Senator Grimes, of Iowa, said on tins occasion : '^ As 
I read tlie history of that campaign, the man who 
selected the position where the battle of Gettysburg was 
foiiglit, and who, indeed, fought it on the first day, was 
General Howard ; and to him the country is indebted as 
much for the credit of securing that victory as to any 
other person." 

It was intimated afterward that General Howard was 
ambitious for the command of the army. Hearing this 
on many sides. General Howard wrote the following 
characteristic letter to Mr. Lincoln : 

' ' Headquaetees Eleventh Coeps, ) 

Aemt oj? the Potomac, neae Beelin, v 
July 18, 1863. ) 
** To the President of the United States : 

" SiE : Having noticed in the newspapers certain statements bear- 
ing upon the battle of Gettysburg and subsequent operations which 
I deem calculated to convey a wrong impression to your mind, I wish 
to submit a few statements. The successful issue of the battle of 
Gettysburg was due mainly to the energetic operations of our present 
commanding general prior to the engagement, and to the manner in 
which he handled his troops on the field. The reserves have never 
before, during this war, been thrown in at just the right moment ; 
in many cases when points were just being carried by the enemy, a 
regiment or brigade appeared, to stop his progress and hurl him back. 

"Moreover, I have never seen a more hearty co-operation on the 
part of general officers than since General Meade took command. 
As to not attacking the enemy prior to leaving his stronghold beyond 
the Antietam, it is by no means certain that the repulse of Gettys- 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 103 

burg might not have been turned upon us. At any rate, the com- 
manding general was in favor of an immediate attack ; but with the 
evident difficulties in our way, the uncertainty of a success, and the 
strong conviction of our best military minds against the risks, I must 
say that I think the general acted wisel3^ As to ni}'' request to make 
a reconnoissance on the morning of the llth, which the papers state 
was refused, the facts are that the general had required me to recon- 
noitre the evening before, and give my opinion as to the practicabil- 
ity of making a lodgment on the enemy's left ; and his answer to my 
subsequent request was that the movements he had already ordered 
would subserve the same purpose. We have, if I may be allowed to 
say it, a commanding general in whom all the officers with whom I 
have come in contact express complete confidence. I have said thus 
much because of the censure and of the misrepresentations which 
have grown out of the escape of Lee's arm3\ 

'* Very respectfully your obedient servant, 

"O. O. HowAKD, Major-General." 

Mr. Lincoln's reply was as follows : 

' ' Executive Mansion, ) 
Washington, July 21, 18G3. \ 
** My dear General Howard : Tour letter of the 18th is received, 
I was deeply mortified by the escape of Lee across the Potomac, be- 
cause the substantial destruction of his army would have ended the 
war, and because I believed such destruction was perfecth' easy ; 
believed that General Meade and his noble army had expended all 
the skill, and toil, and blood up to the ripe harvest, and then let the 
crop go to waste. Perhaps my mortification was heightened because 
I had always believed — making my belief a hobby, possibly — that the 
main rebel army, going north of the Potomac, could never return if 
well attended to, and because I was so greatly flattered in this belief 
by the operations at Gettysburg. A few days having passed, I am 
now profoundly grateful for what was done, without criticism for 
what was not done. General Meade has my confidence as a brave 
and skilful officer and true man. 

" Yours very truly, 

" A. Lincoln." 

General Howard, in an article in the Atlantic MontJily 
on the '' Campaign and Battle of Gettysburg," pub- 
lishes these two letters, and says of the battle : 



104 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

" The main hindrance to onr concentrating at Gettysburg as rap- 
id]y as Lee was a strategic one. Meade threw forward the left flank 
of his general line, so that Lee was able tcr strike it. Had Gettys- 
burg, and not Taneytown or Pipe Clay Creek, been Meade's objective 
point, his general line on the 30th of June would have been more 
nearly parallel to that of Lee. But a kind Providence overruled 
even this mistake to our advantage, inducing, as it did, undue confi- 
dence on the part of General Lee. 

' ' For myself, I am content with the work accomplished at Gettys- 
burg, and avoid aiming any bitter criticism whatever at those true- 
hearted officers and men, in any corps or division of our army, who 
there acted to the best of their ability." 

Mr. Lossing, in his liistoiy of the war, speaks in these 
words of General Howard's plan of the battle of Gettys- 
burg : 

" Howard, who had arrived in advance of his corps, had left Stein- 
wehr's division on Cemetery Hill, placed General Schurz, whose divi- 
sion was intrusted to General Schimmelpfennig, in temporary charge 
of the corps, and, ranking Doubleday, took the chief command of all 
the troops on the field of action. He placed the divisions of Barlow 
and Schurz to the right of the First Corps to confront Early, and so, 
from the necessity of meeting, an expected simultaneous attack from 
the north and west of the national line was lengthened and attenu- 
ated along a curve of about three miles. This was an unfortunate 
necessity that could not be avoided, for Howard had perceived the 
value of a position for the [whole] army on the series of ridges of 
which Cemetery Hill forms the apex of a redan, and had determined 
to secure it, at all hazards, if his inferior numbers should be pressed 
back from the battle-line on the north and west of the town, which 
now seemed probable." 

The statements of eye-witnesses are always interesting, 
and the following, bearing directly upon the Gettysburg 
battle, pnbhshed in a Washington journal, is additional 
evidence of the historical truth outliued in these pages 
in regard to that battle and the events immediately pre- 
ceding it. The author is W. A. Bentley, U. S. Signal 
Corps, and his statement is as follows : 



HOWARD : THE CHEISTIAiq' HERO. 105 

" In 18C3, and at the time of the battle of Gettysburg, I was a resi- 
dent of the town of Gettysburg. At that time I was about seventeen 
years of age, and subsequently I enlisted in the Signal Corps, U. S. A. 
Some five or sis hours after the battle had been in progress, myself 
and a companion, Daniel Skelly, together with Mrs. E. G. Fahne- 
stock, were together, and had ascended to the upper floor of Fahne- 
stock's Observatory. We w^ere looking anxiously to the north and 
west of the town where the battle was raging, and of which we had 
from our elevated position a good view. This observatory was on 
the souLh-west corner of Baltimore and Middle streets. While we 
three were watching the movements of the troojos a general with only 
one arm (Howard), with his stair and an escort of cavalry, came dash- 
ing down Baltimore Street and halted in front of the observatory. A 
staff-oflicer directed the general's attention to us, and we were asked 
how to reach our position. Young Skelly went at once to the side 
entrance on Middle Street and admitted General Howard and a staff- 
officer, who seemed to be a captain and a German ; I cannot say who 
he w^as. This officer had a large field-glass. General Howard took 
the glass and swept the field long and anxiously. Just at this time 
an oflicer came clashing ujp on horseback, and shouted : ' General 
Eeynolds is killed.' General Howard, I recollect, seemed profoundly 
agitate^, but at once turned, and in these exact words said : ' Cap- 
tain, go immediately to General Steinw-ehr and tell him to stop hig 
division en Cemetery Hill and put his men in position for defence.' 
The captain went down at once. As General Hov\-ard gave this 
order, Mrs. Fahnestock said : * Oh, sir, you are not going to let the 
rebels come into town, are you ? ' To this General Howard said : 
* Madam, no one can tell what may happen in war.' Soon after this 
shells began passing near, and we all went dov/n. As I came down I 
inquired of a w^ounded officer who that general was, and he replied 
that it was Howard, this being the first time I had ever seen him. 
As to the exact time v/hen Eeynolds's death was announced, I can 
only give my best judgment ; I think it was between twelve and two 
o'clock. The general speaks of being in the observatory, and I am 
confident he will recall these facts. Of course I know nothing of 
what orders he may have had, but as he had no general command 
until Reynolds's death, it is impossible that he could have been 
directed to fortify Cemetery Hill, and I do know that information of 
Eeynolds's death came to him at the observatory, and that he gave 
the orders in the above language. The other parties who were with 
me this eventful July 1st, 1863, are still living, and will verify these 
details. That General Howard is entitled to the credit of selecting 
the battle-field of Gettysburg, I am quite certain." 



106 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 

Eeturning to his corps, Howard bore his part in the 
subsequent battle. The evening of the 2d of July 
(1863) the Confederates broke through Yon Steinwehr's 
hues ; it was after dark, and the struggle for a time be- 
came hand-to-hand. General Howard, who was pres- 
ent, called upon Schurz for re-enforcements, and as the 
struggle grew fiercer and fiercer, and one of his brigades 
gave way. General Carroll, sent by Hancock, who 
heard the terrific firing, deployed his brigade, and the 
men charged with a shout, and cleared the breach. 
Howard's lines now being safe and strong, he sent 
troops to aid Generals Green and Wadsworth, who were 
meeting an attack from an overwhelming force. 

There are many incidents related of General Howard 
in connection with this battle. Lossing ^ introduces 
two characteristics of him. The first, referring to his 
batteries, is as follows : 

" The batteries of Bancroft, Dilger, Eakin, Wheeler, Hill, Taft, 
under Major Osborne (General Howard's chief of artillerj'), were 
placed in the cemetery, where the kind and thoughtful General 
Howard had caused the tombstones, and such monuments as could 
possibly be moved, to be laid flat on the ground, to prevent their 
being injured by shot or shell." 

Of the other he says : " There is one incident related 
by Professor Stoever, of the Gettysburg, Pa., College, 
as coming under his own observation, which so vividly 
illustrates the character of a true man and Christian sol- 
dier, that it should not be unrecorded, and is here given : 

** When orders were issued for the army to pursue Lee, General 
O. O. Howard, commanding the Eleventh Corps, hastened to the bed- 
side of Captain Griffith, one of his beloved staff-officers, who had 
received a mortal wound. After a few words the general opened his 



* " Sherman and his Campaigns.' 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 107 

New Testament, read part of the fourteenth chapter of John, and 
then, kneeling, commended his dying friend to God. An embrace 
and a hurried farewell followed, and so the friends parted, never to 
meet again on earth. That night Captain Griffith died, and Howard, 
in pursuit of Lee, bivouacked in a drenching ruin near the base of 
South Mountain range." 

At the end of tlie battle, July 5th, he wrote to his 
wife : 

" We are through another terrible conflict of three days. The 
enemj' has been baffled and is gone. God grant us a complete vic- 
tory ! Charles and I are well ; love to the children, and the blessing 
of our Father be yours." 

Soon after Gettysburg one of General Howard's 
divisions was detached from his corps and sent to South 
Carolina, yet for the fall and winter of 1863 the corps 
organization was preserved with two divisions — those of 
Sclmrz and Yon Stein wehr. These, under Howard, with 
the Twelfth Corps (Slocum's), after Rosecrans's defeat 
at Chickaniauga, he being penned up at Chattanooga, 
were hastened West, Hooker leading the two for Rose- 
crans's relief. When they arrived at Lookout Yalley 
that grand soldier. General George H. Thomas, had 
succeeded Eosecrans in command of the Army of the 
Cumberland, holding Chattanooga. Thomas had de- 
spatched troops twice crossing the Tennessee to the 
mouth of Lookout Yalley to meet Hooker's force com- 
ing up from Bridgeport. Howard's troops had gone 
along in the valley under lire from Lookout Mountain, 
and succeeded in forming a junction with those sent by 
Thomas ; but Hooker left what he had there of the 
Twelfth, commanded by General Geary, back at a junc- 
tion of roads called '' Wauhatchie." Geary had with 
him quite a train of wagons. The Confederate com- 
mander on the top of Lookout Mountain thought he saw 
a grand opportunity for a night surprise and capture. 



108 HOWAED : THE CHRISTIAH HEllO. 

The terrible attack came after miclniglit. Geary re- 
j)ulsed the direct assault, and Howard's divisions cleared 
the intervening foot-hills, where reserves and supporting 
Confederates were posted. It was a hard battle, though 
on a small scale. General Howard in person, w^ith a 
small body of cavalry, managed to make his v/ay to 
Geary just after the latter had hurled back the night 
attack, and at the moment when he was standing near 
the body of his own son, an officer of artillery, who had 
been killed but a few moments before. In his depress- 
ing grief General Howard was a strength and a solace, 
and General Geary never forgot the strong sympathy he 
exhibited toward him on that night of gloom and car- 
nage. General Thomas's published letter gave to Gen- 
eral Howard's troops, as well as to Geary's, the highest 
commendation for their gallantry during that fearful 
nifirht. So the Eastern and Western soldiers bee'an t]]eir 
acquaintance in battle, while the taking of Lookout 
Yalley gave food to Chattanooga, already nearly starved 
out. 

" General Thomas remarked," says Colonel Dodge, in congratulat- 
ing Hooker on liis victory iit Lookout Mountain, that " the bayonet- 
charge of Howard's troops, made up the side of a steej) and difficult 
hill, over two hundred feet high, completely routing and driving the 
enemy from his barricades on its tojD, . . . will rank with the most 
distinguished feats of arms of this war." 

The battles about this strono:hold, includino^ Lookout 
Mountain and Missionary FCidge, were momentous to 
both Korth and South. General Grant came to combine 
Sherman's and Thomas's troops against General Bragg, 
who, trusting to the immense natural strength of his 
positions on the heights of Lookout Mountain and Mis- 
sionary Kidge, had recently sent away Longstreet's corps 
to operate against Burnsicle, then holding Knoxville, 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 109 

East Tennecseo. Tlio battle need not be described. As 
it was beginning, General Howard, taking Biislibeck's 
brigade, liis corps being massed as a reserve near Fort 
Wood, with liis nsnal fearlessness when duty called, 
worked his way np the Tennessee on the Confederate 
side of that river, skirmishing as he went. It was done 
so rapidly, under cover of ravines and trees, that the 
brigade met with no disaster, and the general was in 
time to walk out upon Sherman's pontoon-bridge and 
meet him as the last boat was being brought in. Sher- 
man sprang over the remaining unplanked chasm, and 
the two generals met, not absolutely for the first time — 
for Howard had seen Sherman before — but this was the 
first real recognition between them, an acquaintance 
which ripened into a lasting friendship. Sherman took 
Howard's hand, looking pleasantly into his face, and 
thanked him warmly for his resolute and prompt co- 
operation. He asked for the brigade that Howard had 
brought, and it did gallant work in his severe flank at- 
tacks upon Bragg's position near the railroad tunnel. 
Under its distinguished German colonel, Bushbeck, it 
had maich fighting to do, and many of its officers and 
men met death on the hill-sides in that bloody and dis- 
couraging part of the conflict. Soon General Howard 
marched the remainder of his corps to the extreme left 
to support and help General Sherman, while General 
Thomas, at the centre, was breaking over the Confeder- 
ate lines and crowning the heights of Missionary Ridge, 
which the confident Bragg had deemed impregnable. 

As soon as the battle was over Howard joined Sher- 
man in the pursuit, and made a flank march through 
Parker's Gap of Taylor's Ridge so speedily that the 
Confederate rear guard, which had done so much damage 
to the pursuing Union troops farther south, was obliged 



110 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAiT HERO. 

to let go and withdraw. Taking a strong liking to Gen- 
eral Howard as a soldier, Sherman asked for him for the 
immediate Knoxville march. The troops of Sherman 
and Howard stopped for neither tents nor supplies ; 
they crossed numerous rivers, making their own bridges, 
and succeeded in relieving Burnside and forcing oH 
Longstreet toward Virginia before he could complete his 
siege. General Sherman was delighted ; he found 
Howard always wide awake, cheerful, sanguine, and in- 
defatigable. Here is what Sherman said of him after 
this memorable campaign : 

'' In General Howard throughout I found a polished 
and Christian gentleman, exhibiting the highest and 
most chivalrous traits of the soldier." ^ 

General Thomas, who was for eight months his army 
commander, never ceased to trust General Howard. He 
had been his instructor in artillery at the military acad- 
emy, and there was a mutual affection existing between 
them, which is often enthusiastically expressed in Gen- 
eral Howard's letters and writings. It resulted from this 
confidence reposed in him by these commanders that, 
after General Sherman had replaced Grant in the West 
in the chieftainship of the three armies, and a partial 
reorganization had taken place, the Fourth Corps in the 
army of Thomas fell to Howard. It was in the spring 
of 1864 about twenty thousand strong, and composed 
mainly of Western men. Generals T. J. Wood, Stanley, 
and Newton were its division commanders. Sherman, 



* A less formal thougli as gratifying a tribute was paid General 
Howard by this distinguished officer, in a good-natured rebuke which 
he gave General Wood. The latter was urging General Howard to 
take a drink with his friends, as the others were doing, when General 
Sherman, who was standing near by, said, * ' Let Howard alone. 
Wood ; I want one officer who does not drink." 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. Ill 

witli his four helpers — Tliomas, McPherson, Schofield, 
and Stoneman — made his beginning against General 
Joseph E. Johnston at or near Dalton, Ga., about May 
1st, 1864 

Howard's corps, forming a third of Thomas's force, 
for a Imndred days, almost in succession, took what one 
may call the brunt of the battles. It mounted to the 
crest of Taylor's Ridge, defended by an intrenched foe ; 
it followed on the heels of Johnston, retreating through 
Dalton to Reseca, and joined McPherson's flanking 
force, which had the day before hurried on through 
Snake Creek Gap. It fought in the centre at Adairs- 
yille and Cassville. It came up beside Hooker, who 
had the new Twentieth Corps (a consolidation of the 
Eleventh and Twelfth), at the intrenchments and tangled 
thickets near Dallas, Ga., and helped fight the bloody 
battle of *' New Hope Church." One of its divisions 
made that strong left flank movement together with the 
Fourteenth, under R. "VY. Johnson, and at sundown of 
May 2Yth made the almost hopeless assaults at Pickett's 
Mill, and afterward worked the whole night through 
to intrench and ''log up." The Confederate General 
Johnston, who had with a larger force anticipated that 
movement ordered by Sherman, said, after the war, that 
he never in his life saw better conduct than that ex- 
hibited by Howard's men in that spirited engagement. 
He mentions a case where six non-commissioned officers, 
successively disabled by wounds or killed, had in turn 
held up the flag and kept it flying. Howard's two divi- 
sions, though repulsed in their assault, still held the 
ground, and forced the Confederate commander to change 
his front and fall back. His corps bore its part as 
ordered at the desperate ascent of the Kenesaw Ridge ; 
they were compelled to attack una])proachable abatis 



112 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

and to leave many bodies close up to strongly-manned 
intrenchments. All the way to Atlanta tliey were fight- 
ing, and digging, and marching close to resolute, obsti- 
nate foes commanded by able generals. Through the 
battles of Smyrna Camp-ground, Chattahoochee River, 
Peachtree Creek, and Atlanta this command fought to 
the entire satisfaction of General Thomas, and met the 
warm approval of General Sherman. 

One instance among the many that could be gathered 
will serve as an illustration of General Howard's conduct 
in battle. At Bald Hill, a place which was reached after 
passing the fields of Dallas and Good Hope, the Fourth 
Corps found a Confederate force in strong possession. 
The Confederates held the hill by infantry, and covered 
it by batteries not far oif, bringing to bear a fearful 
artillery cross-fire. The men of Howard's leading 
division had tried to take the hill" by storm, and had 
been more than once driven back. Hearing of the 
repulse. General Howard made his preparations with 
care, and when all was ready he took a position in plain 
sight of his men, quietly waiting the advance of liis 
infantry on the crest of a parapet behind which was a 
battery in full play. It was firing to clear the way for 
an infantry charge. The general did not move Vvdiile 
the replies of the Confederate batteries caused shells to 
strike the parapet beneath his feet, the trees over his 
head, and filled the air vfith smoke, roar, and fragments. 
His staff and others begged him to dismount and go 
under cover: '^ Not this time, gentlemen," he replied ; 
^' we must take that hill." Soon his men, who knew 
that he was watching them, cleared the crest and gained 
the height. It was a hot place, full of peril, and the 
general was anxious lest his men be again dislodged. 
He meant that they should stay and intrench the hill, 



HOWAIID : THE CIIRISTIAK HEKO. 113 

Pttid the instant he saw the skirmishers pass the crest he 
sprang into the saddle and, followed bj one or two 
officers and orderlies, galloped to the very top of the 
height. His soldiers welcomed him with a shout. The 
position was soon strongly intrenched by the willing men, 
and made secm'e against attack. 

It is related that two soldiers of Howard's command, 
who were watching him while he sat motionless on his 
horse as the enemy's guns were discharging, remarked, 
upon his attitude : 

'' He don't seem to hear the thunder," one said, mo- 
tioning toward their commander. 

'' Oh, he's praying," was the quick reply ; '' wait till 
he's through, and then he'll go in." 

Several letters, which give us glimpses of the individ- 

nal life of General Howard during this busy time, are in 

place here. 

To his Wife. 

" Lookout Yalley, March 8, 1864. 
"... This morning Mr. Eej'nolds, a young man, you Avill remem- 
ber, who came to me Vv-hile I was wouncled, and whose father gave me 
the Herald to read, arrived by cars to take the place of clerk to Col- 
onel Hayes. He rode with Charles and I over Eaccoon Mountain 
to the rough, stony valley beyond. We visited the people living 
there. One family, consisting of an old man by the name of Scott, a 
second wife, and little daughter, presented a picture of wretched des- 
olation very painful indeed. As I entered his log hut, just opposite 
the door lay what looked to me like a corpse, the head bound up, the 
arms thin, the eyes closed, the face deadly i^ale, and no breathing 
perceptible. I asked Mr. Scott if his wife was sick, and he said 
' Yes.' The little child was dirty and pale, as nearly all the poor 
children are here. I still thought the woman must be dead, but sud- 
denly a coughing fit came on. She opened her black eyes and looked, 
if anything, more miserable than before. She said she couldn't 
cough many more times like that. When I spoke of the better layid, at 
first neither understood me ; but when I said beyond the grave the old 
man brightened up, and said it was a good thing if he were only pre- 
pared. He had a hope in Christ, but didn't think he was holy 



114 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAiq" HERO. 

enough. I asked, ' How is it with you, madam ? ' She said she had 
had a * hope ' for many years, and then wanted to know if I was a 
' professor.' ' Yes.' ' What do you belong to ? ' 'A branch of the 
Presbyterian Church.' Her friends were Presbyterians, and my reply 
seemed to please her. As soon as they found my name was Howard 
they seemed like new people. Brother Charles had been there be- 
fore, had spoken kindly, and protected their corn when we first came 
to the valley. But oh, the poverty, the misery of these poor people ! 
No clothes but rags, no bedding but filthy old coverlids, no sheets, 
no cleanliness, living on meat and hard bread. * Oh, I can't eat that ! ' 
she said. He has money, but nothing else, and cannot buy. The 
old man was quite familiar with Scripture. Thousands will die from 
want of vegetable diet. All the people look thin and haggard, with a 
sort of chopfallen expression of countenance. We have to feed 
every family within five miles of us out of the common crib. . . ." 

To Same. 

" Near Dallas, Ga., May 29, 1864. 
" Deaeest : This is a little the longest and most fatiguing of any 
campaign we have had. For twenty-five days, with the exception of 
two, we have been more or less under fire. Thus far a kind Provi- 
dence has protected us all except poor Stinson. The doctor thinks 
this morning that he will get entirely well. He was close by me, ex- 
amining the enemy's works with a glass, when the ball struck him. 
He stooped forward and said he was hit, but he thought by a spent 
ball. He lay back, and we found the wound. The ball had struck 
his breast, and passed quite through him. We carried him back a 
little way into a safer place. He began to fail, growing cold. I 
asked him if he was trusting in Christ, or something like it, when he 
said, * Yes ; tell them all at home that I expect to meet them in 
heaven.' After he was given a little stimulant he rallied and looked 
bright. The surgeons came to him. Our own beloved medical direct- 
or, Dr. Head, is attending him. How much I wish he was at home ! 
Stinson is a perfect man. As I review his life and think of his per- 
sonal character, I find no fault in him. Always ready for duty, 
always cheerful, night and day, always brave, I never thought how 
much I loved him till I thought I was bidding him a final good-by. 
I had seen General Wood cry over a beautiful young ofiicer who was 
mortally wounded earlier in the day. Now my turn came. The Lord 
can come very nigh us all in these terrible blows. I had my foot hit 
by a piece of shell the same day (Friday, May 27th), but my boot-solo 
was so thick that my foot was saved with only a contusion. The 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 115 

Bliock was enoiTgh to make my foot black and blue across the instep 
and toes, but I am able to wear my boot and walk to-day. Yesterday 
I rode and walked in a sli^jper. At the time I was wounded I was 
commanding two divisions— General Wood's and General Johnson's 
■ — attempting, under cover of the woods, to turn the enemy's flank ; 
but they were prej)ared, and we had a severe engagement. We suc- 
ceeded in gaining a position two miles nearer the railroad, but did 
not dislodge the rebels. They were behind well-constructed intrench- 
ments, as usual. The army opposed to us is large and in good condi- 
tion, and we have no easy task before us ; but under the Divine 
blessing, and with a cause as sacred as ours, we shall succeed. As 
soon as Harry Stinson is able to take the ride, we will send him 
North. At present he is better here, with good medical care." * 

Extract from next Letter. 

"June 2. 
' ' We have at last really got into the sunny South. We are en- 
camped in a wood. My tent was our only one, and that we gave to 
Stinson. Charles and I put our robes on the ground under a tent-fly, 
and when the rebels will let us we sleep very well. Give my love 
and sympathy to Mrs. Stinson" [the mother of Captain Stinson]. 



■■\ 



To Same. 

" Headquaktees Foukth Coeps, 
AcEoss Chattahoochee, neae Powee's Feeet, 
July 16, 1864. 

"... We are still in same camp as when I last wrote. General 
Schofield often visits me, and I him. He has proven himself a very 
fine officer, good to manage men, and of excellent judgment in other 
military matters. ..." 

To Sam.e. 

" Neae Atlanta, Ga. (two miles), July 23, 1864. 
" Deaeest : We were all made sad yesterday by the death of Mc- 
Pherson, so young, so noble, so promising, already commanding a 
department. I believe you saw him at Watervliet. . . . We are 
now within two miles of Atlanta, and the matter will soon be decided. 
Hood, now in command of Confederate army, was a classmate of 
McPherson. He is a stupid fellow, but a hard fighter ; does very 
unexpected things. ..." 



* Captain Stinson died in Florida just after the war from the 
effect of his wound. General Howard has a son named after him. 



116 HOWAED : TnE CHKISTIAH HERO. 

To Same. 

' ' Headquaktees Department of Tennessee, ) 
July 29, 18G4. \ 
" Dearest : You will see by the papers that I liave been assigned 
to the command of this department and army. It is indeed a very 
high comiDliment to me, as I am junior to Generals Hooker and Slo- 
cum ; but as a matter of fact it is an assignment to new duties and 
new responsibilities. The first day, the 27th, I received the army in 
motion from our extreme left, and was obliged to displace the enemy 
to put it in position on the extreme right. We did not have time to 
get into position at night, so that early yesterday morning the move- 
ment was continued. We had hardly got into position before the 
enemy attacked me all along General Logan's corps (Fifteenth) and 
a little beyond the flank. My flank gave back probably thirty paces. 
The enemy was repulsed at every point, and even on the flank every 
inch of ground was recovered. I v/as about two hundred paces in 
rear of the centre, and I assure you for four hours the engagement 
was terrific, on one point and another, and sometimes all along ; 
there was a continuous roll of musketry from half past eleven a.m. 
till half past three p.m. Our men had covered themselves with rails 
and old logs, hastily thrown together. We had about six hundred in 
killed, v/ounded, and missing, but the dead lay in great numbers in 
our front. All night the enemy's ambulances were carrying off their 
wounded. Poor fellows ! they were rushed into the fight without 
mercy. They lest a thousand where we lost a hundred. My first 
engagement in command of the Army of the Tennessee has proven a 
success. I take the place of a commander very much beloved and 
very accomplished. It remains to be seen whether I shall be able to 
fill his place. . . . Captain Stinson has got back ; came yesterday. 
I shall have him keep a journal till he gets strong enough for hard 
knocks. He saj'-s he is well, but he is a shade or two whiter than his 
fellow-soldiers. ..." 

• To his Wife {after Arrival at Savannah). 

" Savannah, December 26, 1864, 
"... I want to see the loving faces — yours and the children's — so 
much that I am really homesick. I went to General Sherman and 
told him, ' Now let me off. I don't ask but two days at home.' He 
said, ' General, I would give a million of dollars, if I had it, to be 
with my children ; would you do more than that ? ' I told him I 
should say nothing more, and I have given up for the present. . . . 
I brought in a flock of little children last night— some little girls and 



HOWARD : THE CIIIIISTIAN" HERO. 117 

boys — and had a nice time with them. Carrie Emstein, an accom- 
plished little girl, ten years old, promised to come and play for me 
on my piano some time. Carrie was very sweet, but couldn't give 
me a kiss. ' Not allowed to kiss j)eoi3le/ so I must go home to get 
sweet kisses." 

General Howard tliiis describes his first meeting with 
General Grant, in one of his letters to his wife (dated 
Bridgeport, Tenn., October 21th) : 

" General Eosecrans called to see me as he came through, and I 
accompanied him to Stevenson. There I met General Grant, who 
had telegraphed that he would be at this place that night. The tele- 
gram came after I had left. I returned immediately in his train. He, 
General Meigs, and Mr. Charles A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of War, 
took tea with me. General Grant was on crutches still. I gave him 
up my bed and tent, because he was lame, and not wholly because he 
was General U. S. Grant. I liked his appearance better than that of 
any major-general I have seen. He is modest, quiet, and thoughtful. 
He looks the picture of firmness. He does not drink liquor, and 
never swears. A member of his staff told me ho never had used a 
profane word. How di:Serent from what wo had imagined, when 
those stories of Shiloh were being circulated ! I rode v/ith him 
Thursday morning as far as Jasper, a ride of about twenty-four 
miles. ... I expect some change of organization will take -place 
soon, as General Grant has taken hold. ..." 

" November 4. 
"... 1 am very much pleased with General Grant. He doesn't 
play the great man a^t all, but goes straightforward about his busi- 
ness. General Grant's headquarters are also at Chattanooga. The 
rebels still occupy Lookout Mountain, and occasionally throw a shell 
down into this valley. ..." 

" Lookout Yallet, November 20. 
' " . . . Some rebel letters were thrown across the lines to-night, 
open. One is from a captain to his lady-love, and the other from a 
soldier to his mother. As there was no harm in them, I sealed them 
and sent them on. Poor fellows ! how many of them long for the 
war to be over and for home. Many have come in lately and given 
themselves up. May God bless and protect you and the children ! 
Pray for me that I may rise above all temptations to evil. I hope you 
are well. Lovingly, Otis." 



118 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

After the death of the gallant McPherson, near 
Atlanta, July 22d, 1864, Generals Thomas and Sherman 
recommended General Howard to the President for this 
vacancy — the command of the Army and "Department of 
the Tennessee. The President promptly made the 
assignment as requested. It now appears that General 
Howard, for the sake of harmony, urged General Sher- 
man to give the place to General Hooker, as Hooker was 
Howard's senior in commission and much desired the 
special promotion. Logan, too, having fallen to the 
command in the battle of the 22d of July, because of 
his relative rank there, naturally desired to continue as 
an army commander. Much feeling arose in conse- 
quence of Sherman's ultimate decision and recommenda- 
tion — a feeling which had some immediate and serious 
results. General Hooker resigned liis corps, the Second, 
and left the front ; General Logan remained with his 
troops, and commanded the Fifteenth Corps under Gen- 
eral Howard, but lie and his friends greatly blamed 
General Sherman. It will be of interest to insert here 
General Sherman's own explanation of his reasons, 
given in his Memoirs, which are so honorable to General 
Howard. He says : 

"... It was all-important that there should exist a perfect under- 
standing among the army commanders, and at a conference with 
General George H. Thomas at the headquarters of General Thomas 
J. Wood, commanding a division of the Fourth Corps, he [General 
Thomas] remonstrated warmly against my recommending that Gen- 
eral Logan should be regularly assigned to the command of the Army 
of the Tennessee by reason of his accidental seniority. We discussed 
fully the merits and qualities of every officer of high rank in the 
army, and finally settled on Major-General O. O. Howard as the best 
officer who was present and available for the purpose. On the 24th 
of July I telegraphed to General Halleck this preference, and it was 
promptly ratified by the President. ... I wanted to succeed in 
taking Atlanta, and needed commanders who were purely and techni- 



HOWAED : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 119 

cally soldiers, men who would obey orders and execute tliom prompt- 
1}' and on time ; for I knew that we would have to execute some 
most delicate manoeuvres, requiring the utmost skill, nicety, and 
precision. I believed that General Howard would do all these faith- 
fully and well, and I think the result has justified my choice. . . ." * 

General J. D. Cox, in his " Atlanta," f in speaking 
of the reorganization of the Army of the Tennessee after 
MoPherson's death, says : 

'' Hooker was the senior officer availahle, if the whole 
army were considered, and Logan, if the Army of the 
Tennessee should furnish the commandant. A doubt 
whether other corps commanders of the army would 
cheerfully serve under Logan, owing to some existing 
jealousies, was one of the reasons for making a selection 
outside of that organization. 

" Hooker was the senior of both Sherman and Thomas, 
and looked upon the appointment to the vacancy as his 
right. Since the incident of June 22d Sherman had 
found the differences between them increasing, and 
honestly doubted whether he could have the cordial 
co-operation from him which was so essential in his 
j^rincipal subordinates, and he put Hooker out of the list 
of those eligible for assignuient. After consulting with 
Thomas, Sherman recommended Howard for the posi- 
tion. In Howard Sherman found most of the same 
traits which made his association with Thomas and 
Schofield a satisfactory one. Conscientiously true and 
loyal to their superior, all three of them asked only how 
they might most thoroughly carry out his plans, without 
caption, hesitation, or complaiut. Their abilities and 
experience made them at ease in the handling of large 
bodies of men, and it is rare that a large army has had 



* Sherman's Memoirs, vol. ii. f Campaigns of the Civil War Series. 



120 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

its principal generals so cordial in co-operation, so free 
from jealousies or intrigues, and so able to relieve tlio 
general-in-cliief from tlie details of administration and of 
the tactical handling of troops." 

General Bowman says of Howard in similar connec- 
tion : 

*' General Sherman seems greatlj^ to have admired the Christian 
character of Howard, making frequent mention of him in his corre- 
spondence in terms similar to those above quoted ; and not only as a 
Christian, but as a soldier, preferring him and promoting him to the 
command of one of his armies, ' ' 

Mr. Blaine wrote Glenoral Hovv^ard from his home in 
Augusta, Me., when he heard of his promotion, these 
words : 

*' August 13, 1864. 
" My deae Geneeal : Your promotion to the command of the 
Department and the Army of the Tennessee has been hailed by your 
friends and the public with profound satisfaction. Enviable as was 
your record before, you have added to it immensely by your masterly 
conduct in the trying and splendid campaign from Chattanooga to 
Atlanta. Not to detract from others, I should say to-day that in 
popular esteem Grant, Sherman, Hov^-ard, and Hancock stand a niche 
higher than any other generals in our service. . . . 

' ' Most truly yours, 
(Signed) " J. G. Blaine." 

General Howard was put to an immediate test. The 
next day, after he took command of his army, it fought 
unaided the hard battle of Ezra Chapel against the Con- 
federate General Hood, who liad but recently replaced 
General J, E. Johnston at Atlanta. Howard had moved 
his command from the left, where McPherson fell, by 
the rear of Thomas and Schofield, to the extreme right ; 
and just as he had deployed his force Hood attacked 
him w^ith great suddenness and fury. But the assault 
had been carefally prepared for by General Howard, 



HOWARD : THE CHRTSTIAX HERO. 121 

who had ordered his right front to be covered witli piles 
of fence rails. The attack of Hood was most snccessfully 
met. Three times did General Hood try his utmost, 
and once drove back Logan's right, but General Howard 
sent two regiments from Blair, who were armed with 
repeating rifles, and took from Blair and Dodge enough 
cannon to be so massed in t^clielon with his rio-ht flank 
that the enemy could not stand against its fire. General 
Hood was at last forced to retire within the works at 
Atlanta, and General Howard had the honor of gaining 
a battle with his new command. Howard and Hood 
were three years together as cadets. 

General Howard, in an article in the Atlantic Monthly 
(October, 1876) remarks about the closing scenes of this 
combat : 

"I lieard, I think it wfis throngh Colonel Howard on his return 
from Sherman, that the men who had given away at the first onset 
had fled as far as Sherman's headquarters, and that an officer had 
headed them in the retreat and had said to the general, ' Everything 
is lost ; the troops are missing McPherson ; if you don't at once 
take care of that flank you will be defeated ! ' Sherman simply asked, 
' Is General Howard there ? ' ' Yes. ' ' Then I shall wait for his 
report.'" 

General Howard remarks further : 

" It is difficult to fight any battle without suffering from at least a 
few stragglers and croakers. Approaching the battle line during the 
progress of an engagement, the nearer you come to the actual front 
the cooler and steadier you find the men. This was my first trial 
with these men, and I was delighted with their conduct." 

The confidence was mutual ; the front line had seen 
Howard with tliem when the danger was at its height ; 
and at the close of the eventful day, as he rode along by 
the piles of rails, they gave him cheer after cheer. In 
the next movement General Howard by niglit drew his 



122 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAiq- HERO. 

command out from fronting Atlanta witli so mncli care 
and quietness that his march was undiscovered by Hood. 
He swung off southward twenty-five miles to strike 
Jonesborough, Ga. Here he obtained great credit from 
Sherman for taking in the situation, anticipating all 
orders, moving six miles farther than prescribed ; for 
forcing the abandonment of the Flint River Bridge ; for 
stojDping the flames already lighted and intrenching the 
heights of Jonesborough all night, close up to the ranks 
of the Confederate General Hardee, who had, with a good 
portion of the Atlanta garrison, hurriedly come hither by 
rail to meet him. The battle of Jonesborough, August 
31st, 1864, was joined the next day by an assault from the 
Confederates, and General Howard was again successful. 
Other troops of Sherman came to complete the battle, 
and Hood was thus forced to abandon Atlanta, which 
had been so long and so ably defended. 

General Sherman, in his reports, commended General 
Howard for his independent and vigorous action, and in- 
deed the results due to his ability and energy were cer- 
tainly confirmatory of the wasdom of his choice. 



YI. 

The marcli to tlie sea — Incidents by the way — "With General Sherman 
at Columbia, S. C. — Called to Washington — The new department 
offered him — The Christian and humanitarian work he engaged in 
— A legacy from President Lincoln. 

The indomitable Hood did not close his operations 
after the loss of Atlanta. The last scene of the first 
act was at Love joy Station, below Jonesborough, where he 
again, after the evacuation of Atlanta, brought together 
his separated forces. The battle at Lovejoy was but a 
brief combat ; then Sherman withdrew and moved back 
to East Point, tlie first railway station south of Atlanta. 
General Howard went into camp near this place for the 
purpose of resting and re-supplying his army. He had, 
however, sent one division, under General Corse, back 
to the north of the Etowah, to guard Sherman's commu- 
nications with Chattanooga and the North. Meanwhile, 
after but a brief respite, Hood turned his face north- 
ward, turning Sherman's right flank and towing back all 
Sherman's army except the Twentieth Corps, which 
Sherman obstinately kept at Atlanta during his blind 
chase after the aj)pearing and disappearing Confederates. 
As Hood neared the Etowah, he sent one division, ten 
thousand strong, to take the sub-depot at Altoona Pass, 
near where the railroad crosses the Etowah. Corse 
hastened thither from Eome, Ga., and with fifteen hun- 
dred men successfully defended the pass and depot. 

General Howard, with the remainder of his three 
corps, made forced marches night and day, first reliev- 



12~4 HOWARD : THE CirRTSTIAN"- HERO. 

ing Altoona and then following up Hood closely toward 
Cliatt^mooga. So fast did lie come that Hood tried to 
get away from him by turning to the leftUhrough the 
famous Snake Creek ,G;ap,ywhich foi" a space of five miles 
in length, though nar^^w in width, the Confederates had 
filled with bushes and felled trees. Howard, almost 
upon his heels, with staff, orderlies, engineers, pioneers, 
and a division of infantrj^ quickly cleared the crooked 
canyon of its obstructions, and he and his antagonist 
slept the night following Hood's passage on the same 
side of Taylor's Ridge. General Hood now took a 
south-west course with great sj)eed, passed to Graysville, 
Ala. , and threatened another turn — namely, to cross the 
Tennessee and move toward ISIashville. Sherman, at 
Graysville, seeing this threat, really desired to favor the 
movement ; so he slowly brought his forces back to the 
line of the Chattanooga and Atlanta Railroad, and rested 
them, while he matured and perfected his plans. These 
were to send the troops of Schofield and Stanley, the 
Fourth Corps, and what could be spared from the Missis- 
sippi and elsewhere to I^ashville, with as much despatch 
as possible. The new army thus formed was to be 
under the command of General Thomas, to stand warily 
on the defensive, but to be strong enough to meet and 
defeat Hood if he came north ; while the remainder, the 
Army of the Tennessee, under General Howard, the 
Army of Georgia, consisting of the Fourteenth and 
Twentieth Corps, under General Slocum, and Kilpat- 
rick's cavalry, in all sixty-eight thousand men, should, 
under Sherman's command, make a march to the sea and 
form a junction with the naval fleet then in Southern 
waters. The movements began, Howard having the 
right wing, and also, for a few days, Ivilpatrick's 
cavalry. He set out from Atlanta E"ovember 16th, 



HOWAllD : THE CHEISTIAK HERO. 125 

1S64, toward Macon, Ga. ; Slocum and Sherman accom- 
]}anjing liim moved directly toward Augusta. General 
Howard had a battle near Macon, that of Griswoldville, 
where he engaged G. W. Smith, who had been his 
engineering teacher at West Point. One division only 
vv^as much involved ; General Smith's troops were prin- 
cipally raw recruits, and were badly beaten, so that 
General Howard was now able to cross the Ocmulgee 
Eiver and draw off in safety his long trains and those of 
Kilpatrick, which Smith had threatened to destroy. He 
parted them and bivouacked his men at Gordon, coming 
up abreast of Sherman, then at Milledgeville, the two 
vrings being nov\^ well forward and but ten miles apart. 
The cavalry passing to the left, all the divisions moved 
on, sweeping both sides of the Macon and Savannah 
Eailroad. General Howard marched habitually in three 
columns, Slocum in two, the whole force making a 
swathe of forty miles in breadth. 

At the Oconee River, General Hardee, the Confed- 
erate conjmander, had troops to dispute its passage. 
The river-crossing was a narrovv^ place, w^ith high bluits 
on either side, well defended by Confederate artillery 
and infantry. General Osterhaus, who commanded for 
Logan during his absence at home, was puzzled how to 
proceed. He said at first, ''I can go no farther." 
General Hov/ard advised him to deploy skirmishers 
under the nearest trees and keep extending his line up 
and down nntil he could get no reply from the other 
bank. It v/as done, and then farther up the river, 
beyond danger, a brigade was sent over. The Confed- 
erates, fewer in number, fled when the movement w\as 
discovered by them. The bridge was rebuilt, and soon 
the comim.and was quietly marching along, chatting and 
sm^oking as if nothing had happened. Some dead re- 



126 HOWAKD : THE CHRISTIAIT HERO. 

mained there, but numerous wounded were borne along 
the hard corduroy roads to Savannah, watched over by 
their commander, who took the deepest interest in the 
comfort of his men, especially of the sick and wounded. 
"Wherev^er he saw an ambulance train his attention was 
attracted to it, and the poor men always had a cheery 
word or a kind assurance of sympathy from their leader. 
To the dying he went with sincere prayers a,nd earnest 
faith, and soothed their sufferings as their eyelids closed 
in death, far from home and loved ones. It was a duty 
he never ignored, and one that he was peculiarly fitted 
to perform. Gifted with a hopeful, religious nature, 
he saw the cheerful side of every affliction and misfort- 
une, and where the case admitted of no hojje, he 2)ointed 
the way to the rest that remaineth for the weary. To a 
man of his temperament war had no triumphs. Only 
a stern, impelling sense of duty, joined with great ability 
and discipline, made him a soldier and kept him to his 
profession. 

There were many things he did not like in the life 
he was compelled to lead. He could not bear to inflict 
pain or cause suffering upon the meanest of God's 
creatures. His heart ached for the poor people, who, 
powerless to protect themselves, were often left destitute 
by the foraging parties which gathered supplies for the 
army. In one of his letters home he says, on this point : 

" We do so many things that are wrong in this living off the coun- 
try, in the v/ay we do, that I do not like it, and I am afraid of retribu- 
tion. I hope, indeed, some wonderful thing will soon hapijen, so as 
to let us return to peace and prosperity," 

The march to the sea continued, and its story is full of 
interest. The accounts of the last fight, at McAllister, 
vary. The fort at the mouth of the Ogeechee Eiver 
was to be taken, and Sherman ordered Kilpatrick to 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 1^ 

attack it, while lie, with the army, should try more 
directly to get into Savannah and expel General Hardee 
from that city. Kilpatrick tried, but failed to take the 
fort, for cavahy conld not traverse the swamps, ditches, 
and abatis. General Howard went to Sherman, and 
asked the privilege of sending Hazen's Division. It was 
granted, and immediately Hov/ard ordered Chief-Engi- 
neer Reese to rebuild the burnt bridge over the Ogeechee, 
by having the piers, only partially destroyed, sawed off 
to near the water's edge, and then replanked, using the 
sheds, barns, and buildings near at hand for this pur- 
pose. The work was quickly done. As soon as Hazen 
had set out, Sherman, taking General Howard with him, 
went to the Kice Mill, and there they witnessed the 
])attle. The field of encounter was several miles away, 
but plainly in sight, the signal-officers communicating 
back and forth, giving Hazen's report and Sherman's 
orders. 

General Sherman says of this engagement : 

" The signal-of&cer had built a platform on the ridge-pole of the 
rice-mill. Leaving our horses behind the stacks of rice-straw, we all 
got on the roof of a shed attached to the mill, wherefrom I could 
communicate with the signal-officer above, and at the same time look 
out toward Ossabaw Sound, and across the Ogeechee Kiver at Fort 
McAllister. . . , The sun was rapidly declining, and I was dread- 
fully impatient. . . . Almost at that instant of time we saw Hazen's 
troops come out of the dark fringe of woods that encompassed the 
fort, the lines dressed as on parade, with colors flying, and moving 
forward with a quick, steady pace. Fort McAllister was then all 
alive, its big guns belching forth dense clouds of smoke, which soon 
enveloped our assaulting lines. One color went down, but was up in 
a moment. On the lines advanced, faintly seen in the white, sul- 
phurous smoke ; there was a pause, a cessation of fire ; the smoke 
cleared away, and the parapets were blue with our men, who fired 
their muskets in the air, and shouted so that we actually heard them, 
or felt that we did. . . . During the progress of the assault our little 
group on Cheves's Mill hardly breathed ; but no sooner did we see our 



138 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAiq- HERO. 

flags on the parapet than I exclaimed, in the language of the poor negro 
at Cobb's i^lantation, ' This nigger v/ill have no sleejD this night ! ' " 

During tlie nortliwarcl rnarcli across by sea to Beaufort, 
to Pocotaligo, across River's Bridge where General 
Wager Swayne lost Lis leg ; at the Battle of Congaree 
Creek, crossing two bridges — Saluda and Broad rivers — 
in tlie face of Wade Hampton, the burning of Colum- 
bia, the skirmishes and losses at Cheraw, the battle of 
Averysborough and of Bentonville (the last engage- 
ment of Johnston and Sherman), General Howard nobly 
performed his part. INTot one of his seven grand di- 
visions was ever known to be fifteen minutes behind 
time. His men became strong and hardy, and were 
equal to great strains of endurance. After the surrender 
of Lee to Grant, and of Johnston to Sherman, tlie army 
w^hich GenerpJ Howard commanded was marched from 
Raleigh to Richmond kt the rate of twenty-five miles a 
day. 'No depredations were now committed. Howard 
was the disciplinarian of the right wing, and his orders 
v/ere of the sternest character. On the march and while 
at light property was stolen ; but as soon as peace was 
secured General Howard invited the co-operation of 
residents to report any soldier who violated his strict 
commands. He respected the sufferings of the sad and 
dispirited people of the South, who were meeting the 
double calamity of defeat and poverty. Many are the 
incidents of his kindness at this time, and not one indi- 
vidual during or after the war heard from his lips a word 
of hostility or animosity toward the Southern people. 
YtThere he met individuals who were moody or resentful, 
and maintained that the !N"orth had overwhelmed them 
with numbers, he always admitted the fact, and in tones 
of conciliation advised them to resume their avocations 
and try to restore their material prosperity. 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAI^ HERO. 129 

When Howard and Sherman reached Columbia, S. C, 
the brigade of Stone (Charles R. Wood's Division), hav- 
ing halted and stacked arms, cheered Sherman lustily. 
Hov/ard noticed that some men among them were un- 
usually wild in demonstration, and at once sent an officer 
to see if they had obtained liquor. The latter reported 
that obsequious dealers in goods had sent buckets filled 
with whiskey along the lines ; that the men, having 
been skirmishing and marching since daylight, had had 
no breakfast, and several were already drunk. General 
Howard ordered them to be put under guard, and until 
late in the night intoxicated men were being picked up 
and put in places of safety. Some poor fellows, incapa- 
ble of taking care of themselves, w^andered oft through 
the city, and w^ere burned to death during the conflagra- 
tion. 

General Sherman had given orders that all arsenals 
and public property not required for the use of the army 
should be destroyed, but private property and schools 
were to be protected. General Wade Hampton, who 
commanded the Confederate rear guard of cavalry, be- 
fore he abandoned the city ordered all cotton stored tliere 
to be burned. Accordingly, bales upon bales were rolled 
into the streets, the bagging cut, and the contents fired. 
The wind was very high, and flying bits of cotton were 
blown about, kindling all kinds of combustibles in vari- 
ous parts of the city. It was not necessary to execute 
General Sherman's order as to the destruction of the 
public buildings, for they were soon all on fire, and the 
Union generals v/ere taxed to their utmost to save the 
people, whose lives were endangered as much by the un- 
ruly element as by the flames. As the fire progressed 
the prisons were opened, and the wildest excitement pre- 
vailed. It was in vain that the commanders issued 



180 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

orders regarding liquor. General Howard, whose in- 
stinctive hatred of intemperance made him hostile to any 
insubordination in this direction, tried in vain to stop 
nuiiieroiis soldiers in their debauch, but it was impossi- 
ble. "White men and black, citizens and some soldiers, 
steeped themselves in liquor, while the flames, raging 
and hissing, wrapped themselves over the houses, licking 
up everything that was touched, brightened, women 
and children hurried throagh the streets, while the better 
soldiers, under command of energetic officers, worked 
hard to save some buildings by tearing down others, or 
to carry water to roofs still unharmed. The picture of 
grief, horror, and wickedness that the two generals wit- 
nessed as they rode about the city they can never forget. 
The unselfish effort of those who labored through the 
night General Ilow^ard tried to supplement ; he sent for 
Wood's Division ; for men free from the influence of 
liquor, and detailed organized bodies to work with them 
and protect the lives and property of citizens. The 
officers under Howard executed his orders with enthu- 
siasm, and did humanitarian work that night which 
greatly benefited the suffering people. General Hov/- 
ard himself remained all night on duty, directing and 
watching the scenes about him, and the morning after 
the carnage was thoroughly sick at heart over the misery 
all around, and which he was almost powerless to relieve. 
From Columbia General Howard marched northward, 
and at Ealeigh, N. C, under date of April 17th, 1865, 
he wrote to his mother regarding the national calamity 
which had occurred a few days before, on the 14th inst. : 

" My dear Mother : You have probably seen by the papers before 
this time that we are iu Raleigh. I would give you a little descrip- 
tion of our campaign, and dwell upon our bright prospects of peace, 
were it not that my whole mind and heart keeps returning to the 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 131 

terrible news that has just reached us. I cannot realize it, yet it 
comes so straight I cannot doubt it. President Lincoln has been 
ererything to the nation, and the nation will never cease to do him 
honor. But to me, personally, he has been a friend ; though dealing 
with thousands, he never forgot me after our first interview. When 
at Savannah the Secretary of "War took my hand in both his and 
assured me in the kindest manner of the President's sincere regard 
and appreciation of my service, I anticipated a real pleasure in 
serving under his administration after the war was over, cherishing 
the same complete confidence in Mr. Lincoln that I would in my 
own father, and knowing that he Vv^ould sustain me in every right 
course. The prospect of peace and home had filled all hearts with 
enthusiasm, and everybody was generous ; but the revulsion will be 
sudden and overwhelming. I am afraid of the spirit it may awaken 
"when it is known that men have been set on foot to murder those so 
much beloved and trusted as Lincoln, Seward, Grant, Sherman, and 
others. I can only say of these blind fools, ' God forgive them, for 
they know not what they do.' Give my love to all around you. It 
will not be many days before I shall be with you. ..." 

On reacliing Riclimond General Howard received a 
telegram from Mr. Stanton, Secretary of War, to cause 
liis army to march overland, but to come himself by 
water as quickly as. possible to Washington. 

The 6th of May he arrived, and reported himself at 
the War Department, where he was informed by the 
Secretary that it was Mr. Lincoln's wish that he should 
become the Freedmen's commissioner, as contemj)lated 
in the law of Congress, as soon as his services could be 
spared from the field. And thereupon he put into Gen- 
eral Howard's iiands the act establishing the Ereedmen's 
Bureau. '' Will you accept ? Think it over, and give 
me your answer as quickly as you can, ' ' said the Secre- 
tary. General Howard looked upon the request as a 
legacy from the martyred President, and was inclined to 
yield a ready assent. At the same time he w^anted to 
remain in connnand of the army with which he had 
fought so many battles until after the grand review. 



132 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAIT HERO. 

General Slierman advised liim to accept tlio trust, and 
deprecated his refusal for any such reason, saying, 
^'Howard, you are a Christian; what do you care for 
that day's display ? It will be everything to Logan to 
have the command ; why not let him have it ?" 

'^If you put it in tliat ground, General," replied 
Howard, '^ I yield at once." 

He was disappointed, but quietly conquered his feel- 
ing, and asked permission to ride with Sherman's staff. 
General Sherman generously replied, '' Ride by my side, 
Howard." And so, on the day of the great review, 
when this great commander at the head of the troops 
saluted President Johnson in front of the White House, 
General Howard was at his side, and with his bridle- 
reins in his mouth and his sword in his left hand, saluted 
the chief of the nation, and was a noticeable figure in the 
assembled raultitude. Wherever he went he was quickly 
recognized, and hundreds cheered him as they looked at 
his empty sleeve. 

•5f -X- -x- >>t . -5^ * 

But a brief account has been given of General How- 
ard's military career during the great war of secession ; 
and as it was a personal strife among our own people, it 
is difficult to divorce one's self sufficiently from the influ- 
ences, causes, and effects of the civil struggle to behold 
the ability and worth of a great actor, without bias to 
one side or the other. 

General Howard had conceived that his duty to man 
was of an ethical nature, and had meditated, even 
planned, to leave the military service. He had studied 
the Scriptures in Greek and Hebrew ; had read exten- 
sively in connection with this study ; had even gone so 
far as to arrange for a course of study at one of the 
theological seminaries of ITew England. When the war 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 133 

broke out, lie, being a soldier who had been trained for 
the work at liis country's expense, like Jackson, P'arragut, 
and Bishop Polk, followed what he declared were the 
'' limitations and the leadings of Providence." He had 
always written and spoken much to those who were glad 
to meet Avith him in public at Sunday and "Wednesday 
evening meetings ; and in his tent, as at home, he never 
omitted a brief supplication aloud at his table, whether 
that table happened to be a mess-chest or a canvas 
spread on the ground. On the Sabbaths, when the 
necessities of war permitted, he gathered together all he 
could, and read or spoke to them of wliat pertained to 
their highest interests, calling on them to exercise filial 
fear and love, and to obey the commandments of their 
Heavenly Father. In all dark days he not only kept up 
heart, but encouraged all who came near, from the 
highest officer to the humblest orderly. His faith Jtvas 
strong in the Lord, and he felt that in His keeping y/ere 
all the issues of life. 

It is well to note the views of his fellow-officers 
regarding General Howard's military career, and of 
civilians who knew him in his higher character as a 
Christian man. Of Fair Oaks, Colonel Bowman thus 
speaks : 

** General Howard was with, the Army of the Potomac on the 
Peninsula until the battle of Fair Oaks, where he lost his right arm 
while leading his brigade in a charge against the enemj'. Two 
bullets entered the arm, one near the wrist and the other near the 
elbow ; but be did not leave the field until, on being wounded the 
second time, his strength gave out, and he was obliged to go to the 
rear and submit [six hours afterward] to amputation. After an ab- 
sence of two months and twenty days, he returned in season to be 
with his corps at the second battle of Bull Ptun, and on the retreat 
from Centreville he commanded the rear guard." 

This historian adds : 



134 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIA]t!j- HERO. 

" General Howard, it is well known, has been pious and exemplary 
from his boyhood, was ever faithful and devoted in the discharge of 
his religious duties, and this even while a student at West Point," 

" He carried his religious principles with him into the army, and 
was guided and governed by them in all his relations v>dth his officers 
and men. No matter who was jDermitted to share his mess or joartake 
of his repast, whether the lowest subaltern of his command or Gen- 
eral Sherman himself, no one thought to partake, if Howard were 
present, without first the invocation of the Divine blessing, himself 
usually leading, like the head of a family." 

And in '^ Slierman rtnd His Campaigns" is given tliis 
estimate of Howard's work and military character : 

" Thoroughly educated, an accomj)lished scholar, a true gentle- 
man, and a brave soldier, General Howard is eminently calculated to 
inspire the confidence of his superiors, the respect and obedience of 
his followers, the affection and esteem of all with whom he may be 
associated. Quiet and unassuming in his dei^ortment ; a fervent and 
devoted Christian, not only in his belief, but in his daily life ; con- 
sciefitious to a degree in the performance of the smallest duty ; care- 
less of exposing his person in battle, to an extent that v/ould be at- 
tributable to rashness or fatalism if it were not known to spring from 
religion ; strictly honorable in all things ; warm in his sympathies 
and cordial in his friendships, Howard jDresents a rare combination 
of qualities no less grand than simple, equally to be imitated for their 
virtue and loved for their humanity." 

From General Sliermaii we have always the uniform 
testimonials, like the following, written at the close of 
the great campaign through the heart of the Southern 
country, in which he gives his estimate of a Christian 
soldier. 

*' At my last interview with Mr. Lincoln [he wrote to Mr. James 
E. Yeatman, of the U. S. Sanitary Commission, May 21st, 1865, on 
his boat anchored in James Eiver, in the midst of the army], your 
name came up as one spoken of to fill the office of commissioner of 
refugees, freedmen, etc., and I volunteered my assertion that if you 
would accept office, which I doubted, the bureau would not go into 
more kind and charitable hands ; but since that time the office has, 
properly enough, been given to General Howard, who has held high 



HOWARD : TPIE CHIIISTIAIN' HERO. 135 

command under me for more than a year ; and I am sure 3'ou will be 
l^leased to know that he is as pure a man as ever lived, a strict Chris- 
tian, and a model soldier, the loss of an arm attesting his services. 
He will do all that one man can do, if not forced to undertake impos- 
sibilities. ..." 

General Howard's life has been marked by wide use- 
fulness in serving individuals whose needs lie has helped 
and whose shortcomings he has tried to remove. Num- 
berless instances might be related, and one or two are, in 
justice to this phase of his character, given. 

E. C, a resident of Oregon, a man with a large family, had been 
for many j^ears a notorious gambler and a rough. Through the 
prayers and influence of a few good women and the Lord's help, ho 
had been converted. 

General distrust of the man led people to leave him and his family 
to shift for themselves. General Howard was his constant and never- 
failing friend, often lending him money, sometimes as high as two or 
three hundred dollars at a time. 

From being one of the worst of men he became one of the best, and 
has now for years led a most exemplary Christian life, and though 
poor in this world's goods has repaid every cent of those early loans. 

Mr. M., for years an infidel, had an infidel book to peruse. When 
his heart was smitten for his infidelity he brought his book to Gen- 
eral Howard, and begged him to read it. 

General Howard said, " No ; it might weaken my faith. That 
author is an able man." 

" But, General," said he, " read it for my sake." General Howard 
read the book, making marginal notes. One was, " What is needed 
here is the Holy Spirit of the living God." 

The general then gave him back his book, and one evening Mr. M. 
was among the seekers for divine guidance in the Young Men's Chris- 
tian Association rooms. His voice shook wdth emotion while telling 
the incident and his eyes filled with tears. He became a changed 
man, and his Christian family were made happy by his conversion. 

One who had been a soldier wdth General Howard went to him, one 
night, and said : 

" General, I am a gambler ; I hope soon to be a better man, but I 
must wait God's time." 

*' Ob, no," was the impetuous reply ; "?ioio is the time." 



136 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

The two, General Howard and this veteran, walked ami talked 
together for two hours. Soon ho stood up in a meeting and made a 
public confession of religious belief. He became a Christian, sur- 
rendering his gambling implements, and has for years led a good life. 

An instance illustrative of the occupations of General 
Howard in the intervals of his public duties is as follows ; 

*'"W.'s father was taken suddenly insane, at his home near Eich- 
tnond, Va. In trying to restrain his father he was sadly hurt. He 
was poor, and misfortune had followed him closely, for when but a 
lad he had, in a moment of exasperation, struck a man with a knife, 
and in consequence had spent years in prison at Eichmond. 

" Some time after the war he went to General Howard in Wash- 
ington, and frankly told his history. He must have employment to 
support his poor father's family. The general, touched by his for- 
lorn condition, gave him employment himself, and, when he could 
no longer do this, secured him a place in the Interior Department. 
But W. was j)ursued by those who wanted his j)lace, and who knew 
his unfortunate early history. His special foe laid his life all bare, 
and threw up to him his boyish misfortune, and thus drew him into 
a personal difficulty. Under the terrible provocation he struck his 
enemy, and was arrested and put in confinement. Then followed 
the loss of his position. General Howard visited him, paid his 
fine, and started him in life again, and gave him an honorable place. 
He stood by him in more trying ordeals than the one mentioned, and 
finally obtained for him the official position he now holds, and which 
he is filling with credit. To-day, in consequence, this young man 
and his family are happy and respected. 

" On one occasion W., nearly heart-broken and in deadly pallor, 
gave up all hope. General Howard stood by him until he had 
breathed faith into his heart, took him by the hand, and promised to 
be to him a brother— a promise which he has always kept." 

The following is one of many letters of a similar im- 
port received by General Howard during the w^ar, illus- 
trating the wide faith reposed in his Christian helpful- 
ness : 

" Canandaigua, N. Y., September 14, 1864. 

*' Deas General : The accompanying letters will inform you of the 
fate of our dear son Albert. Mrs. Murray, having made your ac- 
quaintance at West Point, and you having spoken favorably of our 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAIT HERO. 13? 

dear boy, she intended to write and thank you for your Christian ex- 
ample, and the interest you expressed and exercised in his spiritual 
welfare ; but as she has not been able to do so, she desired me to give 
utterance to the gratitude and great obligation we feel toward you for 
the part you have taken in preparing our child for that rest to v/hich 
he has been called. Although it is hard for us to part with him, wo 
are comforted with the belief that for him to die is gain, and we bow 
in submission to the wise providence of God. It would be a great 
comfort to us to procure his remains. Lieutenant Breckenridge has 
been very precise in his letter in describing his grave, and it may be 
possible that an opportunity may present itself for its removal, 
which, I feel assured, you would approve and have it done, or advise 
me if it could be done, and the manner of doing it. We may be un- 
reasonable to feel so anxious, but it is a long time since we have seen 
our dear child, and we have not a relic as a memento, as everything 
belonging to him was taken with his battery. ... I congratulate 
you upon the brilliant success of your army. It has imparted hope 
to the country and encouraged recruiting, so that our dej>leted 
armies will soon be strongly re-enforced, and the rebellion subdued. 
I ask pardon for this trespassing on your valuable time. 

" Very respectfully yours, 

*'A. G. MUKBAT." 

All Christian workers turned to him in time of trouble, 
and always in the confident belief that he would help the 
cause that lacked assistance. One letter of this character 
is as follows : 

" U. S. Christian Commission, . 
Beanch Office, t 

Nashville, Tenn., April 13, 1864. ) 
0. 0. Howard, Ifajor- General, Commanding Fourth Army Coi-ps. 

" My dear Sir : Your own kindness is my apology for troubling 
you with a statement of a new difficulty into which we have 
fallen. 

" General Sherman has never met the Christian Commission as an 
organized effort in the army, and consequently holds our request for 
so much passing and transportation as a presumption to be denied 
and rebuked. He says that nearly every regiment at the front has a 
champion. This, of course, will make a speedy end of all our pres- 
ent plans of working in this military division. These plans require 
the ]3assage, on an average, of one delegate per day from Nashville 



138 HOWAED : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

front. Perhaps for an army so encompassed with difficulties of trans- 
portation, some change of plan will be best, th.it shall lessen the 
number of delegates to be passed, by increasing their term of service. 
But there are great advantages in these frequent reliefs. Each man 
brings a inll,f7'esh invoice of home feeling and religion, and carries 
back reliable information of the need and encouragement for benevo- 
lent and religious work in the army. If, however, the public service 
is more hindered than helj^ed by this frequent passing, then there 
must be a change. 

" Will you not give us your views on this matter as relates to this 
army ? 

" I am waiting a suitable opportunity to lay before the general 
commanding a statement of the object and plan of the commission, 
and ask his permission to go on. 

" A note of introduction and your indorsement of the twofold pur- 
pose of the commission — bodily relief and moral re-enforcement — 
would be of great weight in our favor. 

*' My full conviction after a year's experience is, that an average 
delegate, in his volunteer service, re-enforces the fighting ability of 
the army by as much as one able-bodied veteran. 

* ' Your love for the Master and solicitude for the welfare of men in 
service, and your well-known appreciation of the endeavor of the 
Christian Commission, lead me to ask this favor at your hand. So 
that, if in my ignorance of the delicate nature of military relations, I 
have asked what you cannot grant, I shall have no difficulty in appre- 
ciating the ground of your refusal. . ^ 
" With gratitude and unfeigned respect, 

" I am. General, your obedient servant, 

" Edwakd p. Smith, 
" General Pield Agent, U. S. C. C." 

General Howard prom^^tly aided in securing tlie 
presence of these workers. 



And now the war was over, and he was called upon to 
take charge of another army, greater than any he had 
commanded, and to assume a responsibihty the magni- 
tude of which would have appalled any man whose 
courage was unfortified by religious conviction and trust 
in a Higher Power. Of this position to which he was 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN- HERO. 139 

destined by the martyred President, one of liis fellow- 
officers wrote subsequently these truthful words : 

" At the close of the war General Howard was made chief of the 
Freedmen's Bureau, headquarters at "Washington. His duties were 
* to correct that in which the law, by reason of its universality, was 
deficient.' He was placed at the head of a species of poor-law board, 
with vague powers, to define justice and execute loving-kindness be- 
tween four millions of emancipated slaves and all the rest of man- 
kind. He was to be not exactly' a military commander, nor yet a 
judge of a court of chancery, but a sort of combination of the relig- 
ious missionary and school commissioner, with power to feed and in- 
struct, and this for an empire half as large as Europe. But few offi- 
cers of the army would have had the moral courage to accept such an 
appointment, and fev/ men are so well fitted to fill it, and discharge 
one half its complicated and multifarious duties." 

As soon as General Howard concluded to accept his 
new appointment, he apprised his old commander of the 
fact by a friendly letter, and received the following in 
answer : 

" In the Field, Dumfbies, Va., ) 
May 17, 1865, 9 p.m. ) 
" Dear General : Your letter of May 12th, inclosing General 
Orders, War Department, No. 91, of May 12th, reached me here, on 
arrival at camp, about dark. ... I hardly know whether to con- 
gratulate you or not, but of one thing you may rest assured, that you 
possess my entire confidence, and I cannot imagine that matters that 
may involve the future of four millions of souls could be put in more 
charitable and more conscientious hands. So far as man can do, I 
believe you will, but I fear you have Hercules' task. God has 
limited the power of man, and though, in the kindness of your heart, 
you would alleviate all the ills of humanity, it is not possible, nor is 
it in your power to fulfil one tenth part of the expectations of those 
who framed the bureau for the freedmen, refugees, and abandoned 
estates. It is simply impracticable. Yet you can and will do all the 
good one man may, and that is all you are called on as a man and a 
Christian to do ; and to that extent count on me as a friend and fel- 
low-soldier for counsel and assistance. . . ." 

After giving his view^s of the negroes and whites in 



140 HOWAED : THE CHRISTIAlSr HERO. 

their new and trying relations, Sherman closes with 
these w^ords : 

" I am not familiar with the laws of Congress which originated 
your bureau, but repeat my entire confidence in your pure and ex- 
alted character, and your ability to do, in the premises, all that any 
one man can do." 



Yll. 

The Freedmen's Bureau— Its organization and ramifications— Chri-s- 
tian work in Washington — Friends and foes of the bureau — The 
destitute refugees — Problems which perplexed General Howard — 
A thankless labor and its reward. 

General Howard in his northward march passed the 
island of Beaufort, S. C. Here he visited the schools 
for colored children then in existence under the charge 
of ISTorthern people, who had gone there to begin the 
work of educating the race. At this time, while on a 
visit to a Sunday-school, he relates this incident : He 
asked the smaller boys, '' Who was the Savionr of the 
world ?■ ' A httle stammerer quickly answered, ^' I ken 
tell gen'l, sah : Ab'am Lincoln, sah — Ab'am Lincoln." 

He had, at the time Sherman issued his orders sending 
negroes to the Sea Islands, sent away from his wing of 
the army eighty- five hundred blacks — men, women, and 
children — who had made an exodus from the Carolinas. 
They had followed the troops day by day, and had 
been a source of anxious care to General Howard, who 
liad treated them with marked kindness, bestowing 
covering and food, and supplying them with wagons and 
escort to their nev/ homes. The care of these helpless 
people was a serious problem to all the generals, and to 
General Howard especially, because of the numbers who 
were gathered about him. The young men and women 
were hilarious and happy in their new freedom ; the old 
were sad and burdensome, but all had to be cared for 
alike. General Howard was their hero ; he could not 



142 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

go among them without the greatest demonstrations of 
affection on tlieir part. He asked an old auntie, who 
had marked her fourscore and ten years, when she joined 
the number and commenced to trudge along beside the 
marching men, '^ Where are you going, auntie?" 
'^ Along with you!" ''"What for," he asked; "can 
you not fare better here ?" " Eo, sah," was herreply ; 
*' I'se want to be wid you !" and she continued her 
journey from day to day, with a bundle in one hand and 
a long staff in the other. 

General Howard was kept busy on the march caring 
also for the whites who were in great distress and wdiose 
pitiable condition touched the stoutest hearts. It was no 
unusual sight to see peoj^le sitting in their doorways, 
after the foraging wagons had passed by, in utter despair. 
He was constantly trying to prevent injustice, and 
while the army had to draw its subsistence from the 
country, he supplied the needy and re-issued rations to 
the poor whites, whose condition was hardly better than 
that of the blacks. General Sherman, when appealed to 
in all such cases, would say, good-humoredly, " Go to 
Howard ; he will be better to you than your own gen- 
erals ;" or, '' Go to Jloward ; he runs the rehgion of 
this army, and is feeding the poor." 

General Howard never turned away ^the poor ; he 
never lost patience nor grew tired of hearing their griev- 
ances. With the better class he was sterner, but it is 
said that he has but one instance in all his experience to 
regret. At Orange, S. C., a woman worried him greatly 
by her demands for a guard, which at this time he could 
not spare from his v/orking party. He reminded her 
that she had no claim upon the Union army. She went 
to General Sherman, who laughed at her complaint 
against General Howard ; but the latter, when told of it, 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAiT HERO. 143 

said that slio was right, and that he was very sorry he 
allowed himself to be impatient. 

About the time that the operations of the war were 
closing General Howard wrote to a friend, from l^ew- 
bern, N. C, to whom he said, after speaking of the 
news, just received, of the taking of Richmond, and of 
seeing unexpectedly in the papers a notice of his promo- 
tion to brigadier-general in the regular army ; "I believe 
I detect some little ill-feehng on the part of old army 
friends. They probably suspect me of manoeuvring to 
get the place, and cannot easily forgive me for ranking 
them.'' And, after noticing the vote of thanks of his 
State, he said, speaking oi his brother Charles, who had 
just become the colonel of the One Hundred and 
Twenty-eighth Colored Regiment, and had gone to the 
Sea Islands : 

" I have rather stood in his way than assisted him, and he is 
obliged to be directed so much by me when we are together that he 
is not fully himself. Where he is now going good. men are needed — • 
men of princii)le and men who are interested in doing good to their 
fellows, whether white or black. I expect during- my life to have a 
great deal to do with the negroes, especially because I have so high 
rank in the regular service ; for, both on account of the increased 
demand of the Government for soldiers, and that the Government will 
be obliged to support and govern a large portion of these people, so 
suddenly set free, general officers will be obliged to organize and 
superintend this new department of the service. " 

While at Newbern he thought much of the condition 
"of the negroes and what their future would be, and in 
reflecting on this subject the old desire to enter the min- 
istry returned. He believed that God had a plan in his 
life, and he had about concluded, for the second time, 
that he ought to leave the military service so as to work 
more directly in keeping with his heart. About this time 
General Grant's telegram (May 7th, 1865), ordering him 



144 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAIsT HERO. 

to report to the Secretary of War witliOTit delay , reached 
him. 

His decision in regard to the Freedmen's Bureau 
being made, and Secretary Stanton being notified of his 
acceptance of the task, he went to tlie War Department 
for instruction. Mr. Stanton handed him a copy of the 
act of Congress and a large wooden tray filled with huge 
bundles of papers relating to the refugees, saying, as he 
did so, ''There's your bureau. General," at the same 
time adding that he could have his army ofiicers and 
existing agents from whom to choose his helpers. A 
building had been secured for the work at the nortli-east 
corner of Nineteenth and I streets, and the Secretary 
advised him to do what was necessary to organize, and he 
would give him what assistance he could. '' Remem- 
ber," said Mr. Stanton, '' there is not one dollar of ap- 
propriation !" Thus was begun the work of the Bureau, 
and the first great trouble to General Hov/ard that ensued 
was due to lack of funds. Had there been money 
enough to organize it properly, the w^ork would have 
been accomplished with half the.w^orry and humiliation 
to its chief, and the Government would have escaped 
much of the trouble caused by its alleged failure to meet 
the requirements oE the case. 

General Howard took his tray to the National Hotel, 
and while waiting for his building to be made ready, he 
set at work to find out the needs of the freedmen, who 
were, in Washington and other cities, clamoring for assist- 
ance. Meanwhile he submitted a list of proposed assist- 
ants to Mr. Stanton. To some the latter objected. For 
example, General Howard selected General E. J. Hart- 
zuS for Virginia, and Mr. Stanton favored the retention 
of Colonel Brown, who was already working as an agent 
at Norfolk ; also Mr. Stanton favored the continuance of 



HOWAKD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 145 

Rev. Mr. Conway (cliaplain) for Louisiana, who had very 
soon to be replaced by General Absalom Baird. G-eneral 
Howard did not know either of these men. The assist- 
ant commissioners who had the States, and were to be 
responsible for all sub-assistants and agents in those 
States, were : Colonel Orlando Brown (Virginia), Gen- 
eral Eliphalet Whittlesey (North Carolina), afterward 
General E". A. Miles ; General Eufus Saxton (South 
Carolina, Georgia, and Florida). Afterward General 
Davis Tillson had Georgia and Colonel T. R. Osborne 
Florida, leaving General Saxton in charge of South 
Carolina only ; General "Wager Swayne (Alabama), 
General John Eaton (Mississippi), Rev. Thomas Conway 
(Louisiana), and General Gregory (Texas). Soon Gen- 
eral Gregory was transferred to Maryland, and General 
Griffin was given Texas. The latter held the position 
until his death, and was succeeded by General J. J. 
Reynolds. General J. Y/. Sprague was given Arkansas, 
General Fiske Tennessee and Kentucky ; later General 
Davis was given the latter State. Colonel Seeley was 
sent to Missouri, and General S. C. Thomas took Gen- 
eral Eaton's position, while the latter was transferred to 
supervise the District of Columbia and a part of Vir- 
gin ia. When the work grew so as to require more 
force. General Eaton was called to assist in the office at 
Washington, and General C. LI. Howard finally had 
Maryland, Delaware, a part of Yirginia, and the District 
of Columbia. The latter officer had been previous to 
this appointment an ins]3ector at large. Finally General 
Eaton left Washington to become superintendent of edu- 
cation for the State of Tennessee, under the reorganized 
State government. 

All these appointments were considered good, and not 
one of the original assistant commissioners recommended 



146 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

bj General Howard has to-day aiiglit against him. 
Their subsequent careers were all remarkable. General 
J. W. Sprague was for years the superintendent of the 
western half of the North Pacihc Kailroad. General 
Swayne, an eminent and successful lawyer, was, like his 
father. Justice Swayne, of the Supreme Court of the 
United States, a high-minded and upright man. Gen- 
eral Tillson in Maine and General Thomas in Ohio were 
at the heads of great business enterprises, and General 
Whittlesey, a college professor, afterward filled a like 
position in Howard University, and was the secretary of 
the Board of Indian Commissioners. 

The a]Dpointments were conferred on military men 
(1) because Congress had failed to make an a2:>propriation 
directly for the Bureau, and (2) because of the wording 
of the act, which was to the effect that the officers of the 
Bureau might be detailed from the officers of the army. 
There was much feeling about this at the time ; civilians 
claimed that they were better suited to effect the exercise 
of the benevolent functions of the Government than 
army officers, and complaints were made to General 
Howard on the subject. He always made the reply that 
the gentlemen whom, he proposed as assistant commis- 
sioners had, with very few exceptions, gone from civil 
life into the army at the beginning of the war ; that they 
were lawyers, merchants, civil engineers, and teachers, 
and well suited to do the work because of their experi- 
ence with the negroes during the war. President John- 
son much desired, and finally, on General Howard's 
recommendation, so ordered, that under the primary in- 
struction the military commander of each State should 
be also the assistant "commissioner of that State. The 
only trouble that General Howard anticipated was that 
each officer so situated would be obliged to have two 



HOWAKD : THE CHRISTIAl^ HERO. 147 

heads at Washington — one General Grant and the other 
Howard himself. However, the harmony existing be- 
tween Generals Grant and Howard was such that the 
work was never impeded from this cause. 

General Howard organized the Washington office 
gradually. The divisions became six in number, as fol- 
lows : The (1) adjutant-generals, (2) quartermaster and 
commissary, (3) disbursing, (4) educational, (5) medical, 
(6) abandoned lands. Later on the payment of bounties 
was added by an act of Congress, making seven separate 
departments. 

The large wooden tray which Secretary Stanton had 
given into General Howard's hands held evidence of 
upward of one hundred and forty thousand poor people, 
white and black, who were receiving rations in Wash- 
ington, Eichmond, xitlanta, Kashville, and other South- 
ern cities. He had at once a large army transferred to 
his care. Army rations were allowed to these people 
for a time ; but when the famine came on, at General 
Howard's solicitation, special appropriations from Con- 
gress were made for the purchase of food to supply the 
necessaries. Before the appropriation was made, and 
while the suffering w^as greatest along the Southern 
coast. General Howard bought a ship-load of provisions 
and sent them at once to be distributed in the destitute 
districts. Congress subsequently relieved him from 
his personal risk. While the work of feeding these y 
people was under way, a sensational report that '' Gen- 
eral Howard w^as feeding niggers in idleness" arose, and 
the newspapers sj^read it over the whole country. 

The work of securing employment for the able-bodied, 
and transferring them to places where their services 
were wanted and would be compensated for, was begun 
as soon as the dangers of starvation were overcome, and 



148 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAiq' HERO. 

in time from Washington alono ten thousand were sent 
away to different parts of the i^orth. The word '^ ref- 
ugee" was broadly interpreted by the colored people in 
those days, and the department very likely furnished 
homes for many w^lio had no claim whatever for helj). 
Complaints of this nature were made, to which General 
Howard rejDlied that he could not prove the genuineness 
of every case, but at least the colored population of 
"Washington was reduced by the removal of those who, 
in spito of his efforts, secured the advantage of being 
ranked as refugees. 

The educational division of the Freedmen's Bureau, 
enlarging as other divisions diminished, was the one*^ 
which did the greatest work, and with it General How- 
ard accomplished the best results. He called to his co- 
operation twenty-seven different ]N"orthern benevolent 
organizations which were sending teachers into the 
Southern field. Some were Freedmen's branches ^^r se, 
and some were societies of churches. The Methodists, 
Episcopalians, Cathohcs, Congregationalists, Presb^^te- 
rians. Baptists, Friends, Unitarians, etc., had their re- 
spective societies and associations under different names. 
Nearly all these General Howard succeeded in consoli- 
dating into a Union Agency for a time, with its head- 
quarters in New York, and known as the Freedmen's 
Aid Union, v/ith a national executive committee at its 
head. Some bodies, like the American Missionary Asso- 
ciation, which disbursed much money, and already had 
many schools, deemed it best not to enter into that 
Union. This fact, together with some obstacles that the 
Union met with, divided it, and the plan was after 
some months abandoned. 

To facihtate the educational work General Howard 
adopted the simple arrangement of giving a dollar for 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 149 

every dollar tliat a society would invest in the work. 
Tliis dollar-for-doUar plan worked well, and the funds 
for it he raised by the sale of abandoned property. Much 
money was secured in this way, and structures were 
erected for schools, and teachers transported from their 
homes to their new scenes of labor. The different 
church societies paid the salaries of these teachers, who 
did such excellent work. As the Government could not 
lawfully buy land. General Howard welcomed the ap- 
pointment of trustees from the different societies, who 
made the purchases and held the titles to the school 
lands. In many instances the buildings used for schools 
were rented, and thus, in one way and another, the igno- 
rant classes were j)ut at school. 

Much public objection was made to General Howard's ' 
educational projects. It was said that it would lead to 
voting and other ills, and many school-houses were 
burned in the South. In the I^ortli the opposition was 
to colleges and universities for the colored people. The 
common schools were enough, and the argument was that 
the race designed to be benefited could not appreciate 
or profit by anything higher than these. In the South 
the greatest bitterness was expressed toward the project 
of universities for negroes, for the whites themselves 
could hardly afford to support the public-school system. 

General Howard, in his writings, speeches, and orders, 
insisted that the common schools brought into existence 
by the general government could not be permanent ; 
and, further, that to keep up the lower grades the higher 
must be provided as an incentive, and to give a supply of 
the needed teachers. His enemies denied his assertions, 
and maintained that '^Howard never would see that i^' 
niggers are not white men." And he, enthusiast and 
Christian as he was, demonstrated in reply that the color 



150 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAiT HERO. 

of tlie skin did not necessarily paralyze the intellect. 
His favorite method of persuading people to liis own way 
of thinking was to take a visitor from the South or 
E'orth into one of the best schools in Washington and 
show him its actual results. Thoughtful and reasonable 
people in great nambers were converted to his view, and 
early came to his aid ; and in time there sprang up many 
seats of learning which have become permanent, such as 
Howard University (at "Washington), Hampton (Yir- 
ginia), Atlanta (Georgia), Fiske (Nashville), Straight 
(I^ew Orleans), and others. Some, like Lincoln Univer- 
sity (Pennsylvania) and Berea College (Kentucky), were 
simply ^' aided into larger proportions." In time the 
common schools passed to the control of the States ; but 
the higher graded schools have remained, with their 
good organizations and w^ith increased constituencies. 
Their pupils to-day furnish the greater proportion of the 
teachers of the descendants of the emancipated race, and 
Southern and ]N"orthern leaders of political parties vie 
with one another in commendation of their good work. 
A few years ago a one-armed Governor of Yirginia, 
while visiting Hampton Institute, took the remaining 
hand of Howard, and with great emotion thanked him, 
before a great audience, for what he had done there for 
the colored people of Yirginia. He, like thousands of 
his countrymen, was surprised at the results obtained by 
educating the freedmen. 

Not so v/ith General Howard. He was too firm in 
two cardinal princij^les to be surprised at the fullest frui- 
tion of his work. He had always maintained that there 
should be no distinction on account of color, and none 
on account of sex. He applied these two principles not 
only to the schools, but to the church in "Washington 
(the First Congregational), where he was an influential 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 161 

member. He clung to the idea tliat Christ died for all 
men, and that rights and privileges, in His temples, 
were not to be given to some and withheld from others. 
To love God and one's neighbor, he insisted, took in all 
humanity, and he could not exclude a person because of 
sex or color from any civil or religious hberty. This 
liberal position vras deemed fanatical by narrow minds, 
but upon a less generous and noble ^^latform General 
Howard would not have succeeded as he did. It is still 
alleged that lie favored his own Congregational denomi- 
nation, and much criticism was passed upon him. Be- 
fore the Congressional Committee and the Court of 
Inquiry he denied all this. It came before these bodies 
in the form of a charge, made in a vile letter forged at 
the W^ar Department under General Belknap's adminis- 
tration. It is almost needless to say that it was fully 
disproved. Acting on the proposal he had made, of 
giving dollar for dollar, some organizations received 
more money than others. But if the American Mission- 
ary Association received much help, it was because it 
had put many dollars into its work.* If the Friends 
had large aid, it was for the reason that this sect gave 
liberally. What mattered it to a true friend of humanity 
who engineered the educational work, so long as it was 
effectively done ? General Howard was not the man to 
favor a society because he belonged to it, but if it did 
well he heartily commended that work. He had too 
much enthusiasm to show favoritism to one section of his 
workers. 

The adjutant-general's division had charge of the labor 
question, and to it General Howard gave much thought. 



* The American Missionary Society alone, from 1862 to 1869, ex- 
pended |1, 650,000 in the education of colored children in the South. 



152 HOWAKD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

He influenced tlie organization of joint-stock companies 
to raise money for farming the abandoned lands, and 
with the transportation funds whicli Congress j^laced at 
his disposal he gave employment to thousands of idlers. 
He risited the South in the autumn of 1865, and set up 
those '^ Bureau Courts," in which contracts were settled 
between the freedmen and their employers. These 
courts were composed of three men : one, the agent of 
the Bureau ; another, the black man's agent, and the 
third that of the white man. In all the workings of the 
Bureau he tried to introduce the simplest details, in order 
that the most ignorant of its beneficiaries might under- 
stand its workings. From town to town General Howard 
journeyed, addressing all, white and black, and explain- 
ing the aims and objects of the Freedmen's Bureau. He 
visited Richmond, Raleigh, Wilmington, Charleston, 
Hilton Head, Savannah, Tallahassee, and other places in 
Florida, Mobile, and Atlanta, and returned to Washing- 
ton by Tennessee and Kentucky. It was while on this 
trip and in Atlanta that the incident related by the poet 
Whittier occurred. It is as follows : 

HOWARD AT ATLANTA. 

*' Bight in the track where Sherman 

Ploughed his red furrow, 
Out of the narrow cabin, 

Up from the cellar's burrow, 
Gathered the little black people, 

With freedom newly dowered, 
"Where, beside their Northern teacher, 

Stood the soldier, Howard. 

*' He listened and heard the children 
Of the poor and long-enslaved 
Reading the words of Jesus, 
Singing the songs of David. 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 153 

Behold the dumb lips speaking, 

The blind eyes seeing ! 
Bones of the Prophet's vision 

Warmed into being ! 

" Transformed he saw them passing 

Their new life's portal ! 
Almost it seemed the mortal 

Put on the immortal. 
No more with the beasts of burden, 

No more with stone and clod, 
But crov/ned with glory and honor 

In the image of God ! 

*' There was the human chattel 

Its manhood taking ; 
There, in each dark, brown statue, 

A soul was waking ! 
The man of many battles, 

With tears his ej'^elids pressing, 
Stretched over those dusky foreheads 

His one-armed blessing, 

*' And he said : ' Who hears can never 

Fear for or doubt you ; 
What shall I tell the children 

Up North about you ? ' 
Then ran round a whisper, a murmuu 

Some answer devising ; 
And. a little boy stood up : ' Massa, 

Tell 'em we're rising ! ' 

* * Oh, black boy of Atlanta ! 

But half was spoken ; 
The slave's chain and the master's 

Alike are broken. 
The one curse of the races 

Held both in tether ; 
They are rising— all are rising, 

The black and white together ! 

" Oh, brave men and fair women ! 
Ill comes of hate and scorning ; 



154 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAIT HERO. 

Shall the dark faces only 

Be turned to morning ? 
Make time your sole avenger, 

All-healiug, all-redressing ; 
Meet Fate half way, and make it 

A joy and blessing," 

After President Jolmson had decided upon returning 
tlie abandoned lands to tlieir former owners, upon cer- 
tain conditions, General Howard went to tlie Sea Islands, 
and met tlie negroes there, addressing them in all the 
towns he passed through. He urged them to see things 
as freemen saw them, and impressed upon them the 
necessity for industry and uprightness for the grown 
people ; right training in schools for the young, and the 
fear of the Lord for all. The burden of his appeals were 
tlie resistance to vice and fidelity to God, and he incul- 
cated the lesson of kindness by making the most careful 
effort to bring about good feeling betv/een the whites 
and the blacks. Mutual toleration and friendliness he 
aimed to secure by his presence, and he succeeded in 
inspiring his assistants with a large share of his own 
spirit. Perfect results he never exp)ected, but lie approx- 
imated them as nearly as possible. His work was that 
of preparing the foundation for the enfranchised race, to 
begin their work of education and higher development ; 
he realized that it was a task never to be understood by 
those for whom he was immediately concerned. The 
difficulties constantly before hiiii would have discouraged 
any but a temperament like his own. He is simply in- 
capable, by reason of his all-abounding trust in the 
Higher Power, of being wholly subdued by disappoint- 
ments or failures. His career from boyhood abundantly 
proves this fact. 

The task of reasoning with the negroes of the Sea 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 155 

Islands regarding the decision of the President was most 
difficult and delicate. They were dreadfully chagrined 
at losing their recent possessions of land, and charged 
him with robbing them to help their enemies, the orig- 
inal ow^ners. In one church where he was to speak he 
met with much excitement and anger on the part of the 
audience, an immense one, which had assembled to hear 
his explanation. The decision of the gov^ernment, as 
they understood it, Vv^as cruel, and their great rage was 
blind and fanatical. General Howard talked to them 
quietly until he had aroused their interest ; then he ex- 
plained the nature of a title, how it rested in the owner 
or landholder, and declared that neither the Presidents 
nor Congress had the right to wrest the land from the 
real owners and give it to them. The Government gave 
them tax- titles, he told them, and where the people own- 
ing the islands had paid up their taxes the Government 
could not lawfully prevent their claiming the soil they 
originally possessed. The promise made in General 
Sherman's orders could not be fully kept, now that the 
owners were pardoned and reinstated in their full rights. 
It was hard to control the storm. His hearers insisted 
that a distinction should be made between loyalty and 
disloyalty, and maintained that they had lived on the 
lands when the whites abandoned them, and finally that 
the great general (Sherman) had given to them and to 
the refugees whom he sent there these lands, which they 
were now called upon to leave. General Howard ex- 
pressed his strong sympathy for them, and touched their 
hearts by talking of their trusted leader, Abraham Lin- 
coln, vvdio had appointed him to the freedmen's work, 
because he was their friend. Tiien he asked them to 
trust him with the settlement of the matter, promising 
faithfully to do the best he could for the poor black set- 



156 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

tiers. All over tlie building voices cried out, ^' We'll 
trust you ; we'll trust you !" 

He had promised very much, as he knew, but he car- 
ried out the policy of the government in this case, and 
settled the troubles without any serious difficulties. 

A problem which perplexed General Howard in an- 
other direction was the following. The valuable lands 
on Meridan Hill and in the environs of Washino:ton were 
overrun by refugees, former slaves of Maryland and 
Virginia, who were living in temporary huts and old war 
buildings. They could pay no rent, and the owner of 
the land wanted to be rid of them. He called upon 
General Howard, and asked for their removal. The lat- 
ter went with him in his buggy to see the black settlers. 
They were miserably poor and ragged, and it j)ained him 
to be the bearer of such ill tidings as he had to. convey. 
He assembled them, however, and explained carefully 
the situation ; the land they were on would soon be sold 
and divided into building lots, and they must go. They 
answered, Where can we go ? He looked into their 
distressed faces, and instantly devised a plan for them. 
Then he asked how many men about him were willing to 
work ? Nearly all replied, ^' We do work." '' How 
many will help to get farms of their own ?" he asked. 
*^ How can we?" was the hopeless response. "Sup- 
pose," said he, " I get the money for a house and farm 
near the city, how many of you will work together and 
pay me for your section of it ?" Nearly all excitedly 
exclaimed, '' I will, Gen'l ; 1 will !" He then promised 
to go and see what could be done. 

It was this emergency wdiicli led him to secure from 
the appropriation for schools, etc., a fund which, upon 
taking legal advice, he transferred to trustees, and the 
" Barry Farm," near the Hospital for the Insane, was 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 157 

pnrcliased. Little plots of an acre eacli were made, the 
lumber for a building was quickly purchased, and the 
accommodations for these homeless people obtained. 
The needed relief was secured by this plan, and, be it 
said to the honor of these people, the j)i'Oceeds of the 
sales of the little famis enlarged the school fund, which 
was distributed to certain institutions. This became the 
best colony of negroes near the capitaL Men of character 
and standing among diem influenced those weaker than 
themselves ; school-houses and churches were erected, 
and General Plov/ard took great pride in their prosperity. 
Good pe )ple in England, watching his work, sent him 
funds to further its prosecution. This money he used 
in similar projects. He saw the best results follow the 
plan of making the blacks land-owners, and lie helped 
hundreds to purchase small tracts convenient to schools. 
The main problem was to employ the people, and he 
resorted to every practical expedient to obtain work for 
this purpose. He was constantly warning himself that 
he must not make paupers. A favorite remark of his 
was, ^' Give a staff to a lame man, but if you would cure 
him he must not use it too lon^ !" 

o 

The hospitals and children's asylums from the Dela- 
ware to the Ilio Grande took all army strnctures, Con- 
federate and Union. General Howard's medical men 
conducted them, wherein great humanitarian work was 
done. Gradually they were transferred to the local 
authorities, who were reimbursed, for so doing with the 
buildings and other property belonging to the Govern- 
ment. In these difTerent institutions, when the transfers 
were made, Vv^ere between five and six hundred of old 
and decre]_oit people for whom nobody would care. 
These General Howard had taken to Washington, where 
they became inmates of the IVeedmen's General Hospi- 



158 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

tal, wliicli still exists in connection with the Medical De- 
partment of Howard University. Here these aged peo- 
ple were made as comfortable as possible, and the Gov- 
ernment gave them appropriations. 

The next duty General Howard undertook in connec- 
tion with the freedmen was to abolish the Bureau 
Courts, which had fulfilled their purpose. After some 
correspondence with the Governor of Alabama, he, ac- 
companied by General Swayne, who had advised the 
change, had a consultation with the governor, and the 
plan of turning over the Bureau cares to the local magis- 
trates was discussed and approved. The governor guar- 
anteed the freedmen full right to testify in local courts, 
and the transfer v/as thereupon made. Immediately the 
people of the North cried out against the step. The 
newspapers, in many instances, said that General How- 
ard was giving lambs into the care of wolves, and pro- 
tested against the course he had pursued. He replied 
that the policy of the Government was to close the 
Bureau work as soon as practicable, and that justice 
would work itself clear in this instance if the right to 
testify was not restricted. And this was the beginning 
of the negro's testimony in the courts of the South. It 
soon extended to other States. 

Little by little the work of the Bureau was narrowed 
in a similar way, by encouraging local or outside help, 
and every department, excepting the educational, was 
gradually restricted, until, at the end of two years, the 
business was practically finished. 

Unfortunately for the completion for which he was 
always ardently hoping, Congress imposed upon him and 
his Bureau a yet heavier task. An act was passed, as 
before stated, by which devolved upon him as commis- 
sioner the payment of bounties and dues to those col- 



HOWARD : THE CHKISTIAK HERO. 159 

ored soldiers who liad served in the v/ar, or to their legal 
representatives. There were about two hundred thou- 
sand of these. They were to be paid by Bureau agents 
without checks, the law requiring the money, in green- 
backs, to be ]3laced in the hands of each soldier. These 
men were scattered throughout the United States, and 
many of them to regions outside its limits. The task 
was the heaviest imposed upon General Howard, but he 
organized the work, and as good a system as could be 
devised was adopted and put into active operation. The 
disbursing of so much money attracted dishonest people, 
who looked upon it as an opportunity not to be lost. 
Claim agents were corrupted and bought up, false claims 
were put in, and the money obtained was too often 
divided between the agents and the claimants. But, 
after the most thorough investigation, it was proven that 
^' the entire loss of the GovernQuent from all sources in 
the disbursement of vast sums hy General IloioardJs 
Bureaii came within one eighth of one ])er cent of the 
7no7iey expended.^'' 

It was not possible that an officer carrying on such a 
w^ork as the Freedmen's Bureau should escape calumny. 
In its prosecution ho was brought into contact with sel- 
fishness, self-seeking, rivalry, party spirit, deep-seated 
race prejudices. Against him were also made charges of 
misappropriation of funds belonging to the Government. 
He was accused, and asked for a trial. The country rang 
with the foul aspersions cast upon his name, and his use- 
fulness was well-nigh paralyzed before the truth was 
established. 

It is not necessary to enter into the details of the 
origin of the scandals circulated against him, or name the 
pei-sons who were instrumental in bringing them. His 
ardent advocacy of the rights of the negro was the pri- 



160 HOWARD: THE.CHRISTIAIT HERO. 

mary cause of these attacks, and the ignorance of the 
2)iil)lic regarding the Bureau and its workings led to 
many erroneous and exaggerated stories gratuitously 
circulated throughout the country. He, as its chief, was 
held responsible not only for the faithful performance of 
his work, but for that lack of hearty co-operation which 
the public withheld from liim. He was at the head of 
the most unpopular work which the Government had on 
its hands — a work wliich, in view of race prejudice and 
political opposition, seriously threatened the long military 
record and national reputation of General Howard. 

The freedmen were difficult wards to care for, and the 
legitimate work given the commissioner to do was suffi- 
cient to engross his time and thought. Helpless as chil- 
dren, with wholly erroneous ideas of the meaning of the 
word freedom, fresh from the excitement of war, a more 
hopeless undertaking than giving them work and teach- 
ing them to do it could hardly be imagined. It was not 
until the true state of affairs and the nature of the burden 
that rested upon Howard's shoulders was made public, 
through the Court of Inquiry, that a just idea of the 
magnitude of his task and its drawbacks was realized. A 
less unselfish and patient man would have abandoned a 
post open to assault from those who should have sastained 
his work ; many times, weary of ingratitude, he longed 
for release from its vicissitudes and vexations. 

The public investigation of the Bureau management 
was a blessing in disguise, though at the time the neces- 
sity for it — constant misrepresentations — seemed the final 
humiliation which his advocacy of human rights in the 
interests of the colored race had entailed upon him. 
Generous American sentiment came to his defence when 
the facts were laid bare. All the difficulties under 
which he had labored, the work that had been accom- 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 161 

l>lislied, and tlie persecutions wliicli had followed him — 
all that he v/ould have left nntold of himself, in his own 
honor and to his credit, the investigation brought out, 
and the nation's vindication came before the findings of 
the investigating committee. The report of this com- 
mittee was concluded in these strong sentences : 

' ' Has the Bureau been a success ? Success ! The world can point 
to nothing like it in all the history of emancipation. No thirteen 
millions of dollars were ever more wisely spent ; yet from the begin- 
ning this scheme has encountered the bitterest opi^osition and the 
most unrelenting hate. Scoffed at like a thing of shame, often 
struck and sorely wounded ; sometimes in the house of its friends 
aj)ologized for, rather than defended ; yet, with God on its side, tho 
Freedmen's Bureau has triumphed ; civilization has received a new 
impulse, and the friends of humanity may well rejoice. The Bureau 
work is being rapidly brought to a close, and its accomplishments 
will enter into history, while the unfounded accusations brought 
against it will be forgotten. There is a day and an hour when slan- 
der lives not. Wlien the passions of men subside, and wh-en the dust 
of time has well fallen, then comes the hour of calmer judgment. 
]ife,ny-tongued scandal has the briefest of existence : 

A wandering night-moth, 
Allured by taper gleaming bright, 
Now busy, now all darkling, 
She snaps and fades to empty air. 

Evil is quickly forgotten ; truth alone is abiding. 

" In conclusion, the committee find, on the whole case, that the 
charges are utterly groundless and causeless ; that the commissioner 
has been a devoted, honest, and able public servant. The committee 
find that his great trust has been performed wisely, disinterestedly, 
economically^, and most successfully. If there be anything in the 
conduct of the affairs of the Bureau which could excite a susj^icion, 
even in the breast of partisan oi* personal hate, it is owing to the fact 
that General Howard, conscious of his own purity, intent on his 
great work, has never stopped to think of the appearances which 
men of less conscious integrity much more carefiilly regard. Who is 
the inventor or instigatar of these charges, it is not the purjjose of 
the committee to inquire. Mr, Vv'ood, of New York, as has already 
been stated, disclaims all personal responsibility for them. The 
evidence which he adduced was not evidence tending to establish 
the accusation, but was, nearly all of it, merely experimental— an 



1G2 HOWARD : the christiak hero. 

inquiry by the person calling the witness into the details of transac- 
tions of which he seemed to have neither accurate knowledge nor in- 
formation, "While the examination was going on, with closed doors, 
under a pledge of secrecy imposed on the committee, counsel and 
parties, incorrect statements, purporting to be reports of the testi- 
mony, were spread extensively through the country most injurious 
to General Howard, and utterly without support in the evidence. It 
is not in the power of the committee or the House to repair this in- 
justice, or to compensate this faithful public officer for the indignity, 
anxiety, and expense which his defence has entailed upon him. All 
that is in our power is to recommend to the Plouse the passage of the 
following resolution, as expressing our opinion of the whole case, 
and an act of justice to a faithful and distinguished public servant : 
"Eesolmd, That the policy pursued by the United States toward 
four and a half millions of its people suddenly enfranchised by the 
events of the great Civil War, in seeking to provide for them educa- 
tion, to render them independent and self-supporting, and in extend- 
ing to them civil and political equality, is a source of just national 
pride ; and that the House hereby acquits Major-General Oliver O. 
Howard of the groundless and causeless charges lately preferred 
against him, and does hereby declare and record its judgment, that 
in successfully organizing and administering with fidelity, integrity, 
and ability the Freedmen's Bureau, which has contributed so much 
to the accomplishment of the first two of these great ends, he is de- 
serving of the gratitude of the American people. 

" Samuel M. Abnell, 

" John Beatty, 

" Geoege F. Hoar, 

*' "Washington Townsend, 

" Charles M. Hamieton, 

" Samuel S. Bubdett, 

'' James N. Tyner, 

*' Legeanb W. Peece." 

"What tlie Bureau had done was well told in an article 
in the Old and New (February, 1870), written by Sidney 
Andrews. 

' ' Of the thousand things that the Bureau has done no balance 
sheet can ever be made. How it helped the ministries of the Church, 
saved the blacks from robbery and persecution, enforced respect for 
the negro's rights, instructed all the people in the meaning of the 
law, threw itself against the strongholds of intemperance, settled 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 163 

neighborhood quarrels, brought about amicable relations between 
emploj^er and employed, comforted the sorrowful, raised up the 
down-hearted, corrected bad habits among whites and blacks, re- 
stored order, sustained contracts for work, compelled attention to 
the statute-books, collected claims, furthered local educational 
movements, gave sanctity to the marriage relation, dignified labor, 
strengthened men and women in good resolutions, rooted out old 
prejudices, ennobled the home, assisted the freedmen to become land- 
owners, brought offenders to justice, broke up bands of outlaws, 
overturned the class-rule of ignorance, led bitter hearts into brighter 
ways, shamed strong hearts into chjirity and forgiveness, promulgated 
the new doctrine of equal rights, destroyed the seeds of mistrust and 
antagonism, cheered the despondent, set idlers at work, aided in the 
reorganization of society, carried the light of the North into dark 
places in the South, steadied the negro in his struggle with novel 
ideas, inculcated kindly feeling, checked the passion of whites and 
blacks, opened the blind eyes of judges and jurors, taught the gospel 
of forbearance, encouraged human sympathy, distributed the gen- 
erous charities of the benevolent, upheld loyalty, assisted in creating 
a sentiment of nationality — how it did all this and a hundredfold 
more, who shall ever tell ? What pen shall ever record ?" 

In an article in Johnson's Universal Cyclopsedia, on 
the ^' Freedmen's Bureau," General Howard says : 

' ' Out of the * labor questions ' naturally came the questions for 
courts — next, ' bureau courts and magistrates.' These were kept up 
till the testimony of black men was received in the State and local 
courts. . . . For a while, too, the subject of the marriage relation 
gave rise to much perplexity. There were so very many who had 
been married several times, or there had been so little recognition of 
marriage at all before freedom, that the difficulties were great. 
Agents saw to it that the marriage ceremony was performed, and a 
careful record kei^t. In fact, scarcely any subject that has to be 
legislated upon in civil society failed at one time or other to demand 
the action of this singular Bureau. In time bureau coin-ts gave place 
to others— bureau contracts and bureau marriages to local and cleri- 
cal. The pauper class was gradually transferred ; the asylums and 
hospitals one after another assumed by societies or towns ; ques- 
tions of land-titles closed ; in brief, all operations were purposely 
reduced and transmuted into the common system of government in 
this country. The last thing of importance given up were the 
schools, one asylum at Washington, and the payment of bounty." 



YIII. 

Peace commissioner to the Apache Indians— In Arizona with Captain 
Jeffords and " Cochees"— Returns to Washington with a delegation 
of Indians — Peace secured — Howard's treaty confirmed by Presi- 
dent Grant. 

While hard at work closing up the Freedmen's Bureau 
in Washington, in March, 1872, General Howard was 
called to assume new duties in an unexpected quarter. 
He was appointed Peace Commissioner to the Indians 
of Arizona and 'New Mexico, including the Chiricaua 
Apaches, a sub-tribe of the powerful Apache Indians of 
Arizona. His reluctance in lea vino; a work in which he 
had toiled througli so many difficulties and oppositions, 
and done his duty amid bitter experiences of every char- 
acter, which had only endeared it the more to him, was 
tempered by the consideration that his mission still was 
to bring peace and good-will among men. The Govern- 
ment officials and the benevolent agencies of the country 
had, by their combined efforts, succeeded in establishing 
peace between the numerous tribes of Indians ; of the 
two hundred and fifty thousand tribes, it was only a few 
scattered bands near the Mexican frontier that had 
continued their predatory raids, committing the worst 
acts of cruelty wlien opportunities occurred. They had 
been at desperate war with the white race for more than 
ten years, killing and being killed, robbing and being 
robbed. Their homes were in the fastnesses of the 
Dragoon, Chiricaua, and Mogollon mountains, from 
which they made constant sorties upon trains of wagons, • 



HOWAIID : THE CHRISTIAiT HERO. 165 

stages loaded witli passengers, and individual travellers 
who ventured along the rough paths of Arizona. They 
occasionally attacked small hamlets and put villages on 
both sides of the border under contribution. Living on 
the debatable ground between the United States and 
Mexico, they could escape the military forces protecting 
the borders of either country by flying into the other. 
A secret friendship existed between the different tribes ; 
men and women of the Chiricauas were constantly going 
among the other bands, inciting them to acts of violence, 
so that outbreaks were expected at any moment by the 
scattered white population of the frontier. Military 
companies had followed Cochise and his captains into the 
fastnesses of the mountains, and invariably been routed 
and driven back. Of late they had given unusual 
trouble, and the civil agents and missionaries had labored 
in vain to conciliate them. It seemed likely that the 
military power would have to be invoked to wipe out this 
refractory band. But this last resort is always to be de- 
plored, not only on account of the opposition of public 
opinion favoring peace, but also the dangers of a general 
Indian war. 

While the authorities were deliberating as to the best 
course to be adopted for the settlement of the troubles 
without a military expedition, a member of the Indian 
Board, an aged Friend, commonly called ^' Father 
Lang, ' ' of Maine, went to the Secretary of the Interior, 
Mr. Delano, and said, "Why not try General Howard 
with the Apaches?" He answered thoughtfully that it 
could do no harm, and promised to speak to the Presi- 
dent. When the matter was laid before President Grant 
his reply was, " You could not select a better man for 
that." The appointment gave general satisfaction, and, 
as it turned out, was the best that could have been 



166 HOAVARD : THE christia:n^ hero. 

made. General Howard, however, was loatli to leave 
Wasliington ; his heart v/as centred in bringing to a suc- 
cessful and fitting termination his work on behalf of the 
negroes ; but he has never allowed his personal wishes to 
stand in the way of the performance of a duty. He put 
the reins of his office into the hands of a subordinate, 
and receiving written instructions and personal letters 
from the President to grand-division and department 
commanders whose territories he had to visit, started on 
his long journey to the West. His commission extended 
to the inspection of all the numerous Indian agencies in 
New Mexico and Arizona, and gave him full powers. 

General Howard is a man of great decision of charac- 
ter ; once embarked in his new duties, he surveyed the 
situation with much care, and formed his plans, from 
which he never departed, and which, as events showed, 
were best suited to the case. He began at the Pacific 
side, went to tribe after tribe and band after band of 
friendly Indians, as well as those whose attitude was 
doubtful. The Yumas, the Pimas, the Maricopas, the 
Papagos, and all the worst tribes of the Apaches, as the 
Tontos, Arivipas, and White Mountain bands, were in 
turn visited by him. He finally brought together in coun- 
cil, on the Arivipa Creek, delegates from all the bands and 
tribes which he could reach, hoping thus to meet with 
some of the Cochisi party and to negotiate peace with 
them. But these latter did not come. Besides the 
representatives from various tribes, there were present at 
the convention General Crook, department commander, 
with an escort of soldiers ; the United States District 
Attorney, with Americans and Mexican- American citi- 
zens from Arizona. With these latter were brought the 
little Indian children whom white men had taken at a mas- 
sacre of Indians some time before, and had since kept as 



HOV/ARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HEUO. 167 

servants. The district attorney, wlio was not in sympa- 
tliy with the peace policy, and wanted to favor those who 
held the children in slavery, strongly opposed their res- 
toration to their own tribe. The wliite men present 
were not more friendly ; they believed that the best plan 
was to keep np tribal enmities as the surest means of 
'' kee2:)ing the Indians down" and rendering them harm- 
less. General Howard held that the best policy was to 
" begin with peace, and peace with one another." He 
Vvas strongly opposed in this view ; Mexicans and Ameri- 
cans cursed him for his advocacy of peace ; soldiers 
laughed at what they called his ^' fanatic folly." While 
one side vehemently supported the retention of the capt- 
ured children by the captors, the other, the Apache 
tribes present, vowed they would make no permanent 
peace without the restoration of the children. 

The convention separated the first day without any 
decision ; that night the tired disputants lay down to 
sleep beside the Arivipa River, and, wearied after their 
long journey, soon sank into repose. "While all around 
were buried in sleep, General Howard, a prey to anxious 
thoughts, held a kind of watch over his sleeping compan- 
ions. The beauty of the night, which under ordinary 
circumstances would have attracted him, was scarcely 
noticed in the absorbing thoughts that banished slumber 
from his eyes. His companions lay uncovered on their 
blankets, for there was no chill or dampness in that soft, 
mild atmosphere. One of the number, an Indian 
teacher, who was asleep among the Pima delegates, he 
softly approached and aroused. This man, George Koch, 
was remarkable for his strong Christian faith and sincer- 
ity, and the perplexed general sought his advice. ^' For- 
give me," he said, '' for disturbing you, but I want your 
counsel ; what would you do with those children ?" 



168 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

'^ Give tliem back to tlieir relations, of course," was 
the prompt reply ; '' tliat is justice." 

^' But that will only stir up trouble, and will not bring 
peace." 

''It is best to do right and take the consequences," 
was the answer. 

General Howard thanked him for his frankness, bade 
him good-night, and walked away. He was no nearer a 
decision in the matter than before, and could see no 
practical way to carry out such a recommendation. In 
his unrest and perj^lexity he wandered some distance ofi 
and sat down by an old fallen tree, which afforded him a 
resting-place. Plan after plan he revolved in his mind, 
but no solution of his problem could he find. He 
prayed for light in the mental and spiritual darkness that 
oppressed him, but the answer came not. At last, over- 
come by fatigue, he slept with his saddle for his pillow 
and his civilian overcoat for his cover. Unarmed and in 
the dress of a citizen, as became his mission, he had gone 
among the Indians, and his bodily comforts were as few 
as theirs. In all his sojourns among them he adapted 
himself to tlieir mode of life, asking nothing more than 
the privilege of sharing with them in all the discomforts 
of any situation in which he might find himself. 

The sun was not far up in a sky which seldom was 
shadowed by a cloud when he awoke next morning. In- 
stantly he sprang to his feet, and as quickly realized that 
his problem was solved. The thought that had flashed 
into his mind was to seek a care-taker for the children, 
and leave them in the care of such a third person until 
the authorities at Washington could consider and settle 
the matter. To find this person was the next step, and 
he could think of no better plan than to go to Camp Grant 
and there counsel with the wife of the commandant, 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 169 

Mrs. Crittenden. Hastening tliitlier, he found a ready 
listener to his hopes and plans, and one who, fortunately, 
could help him in his dilemma. '' Did she know of a 
good, patient woman whom he could employ to take care 
of these Indian children for a few weeks ?" Her reply 
was that there was stationed at the post a sergeant whose 
wife, the mother of a child frightfully afflicted with St. 
Yitus's dance, might be induced to undertake the task. 
She had been schooled in affliction, and was a patient, 
gentle nurse, a Roman Cathohc, and hence all the more 
suited to have the care of these waifs, who were all con- 
verted into that faith by their present guardians. She 
was sent for, heard the proposition, and, as Mrs. Crit- 
tenden had predicted, said that she would accept the 
responsibility at a fair compensation. The delighted 
general went back to his post and made preparations for 
the grand council, which met at noon. All the morn- 
ing they had waited in vain for Eskiminzin's band of 
Apaches, which claimed the captive children ; and now, 
when it was mid-day, the proceedings were ordered to 
begin,, and the leaders, with painted faces and sullen 
manner, came filing in. 

General Howard took his place of judge, and heard 
again all that white men, officers of the army, Mexicans, 
and Indians had to say. When all had spoken he rose, 
and in a few simple words addressed them. Many of 
the Indians could speak English, and those vvdio couid 
not were quickly informed by interpreters. Tliey listened 
attentively as he said, in substance : 

'' I want you all to make a good peace — tribe with 
tribe. Pimas and Apaches have been foes ; be friends. 
The whites and Indians, too, have been at war, and must 
lay aside their differences ; the Government demands 
peace. As to the poor children taken at the massacre. 



170 HOWARD : the CHRISTIAiT HERO. 

many were wounded, and were carried off bj families 
claiming to be Christians. I decided yesterday that they 
ought to be returned. The new guardians cry out 
against it, saying, ' What, give the children we now love 
and are Christianizing back to the wild Apaches ? It is 
wrong ! ' The district attorney formally protests, and 
says that it will make bitterness more bitter, and stir up 
hate that will end in blood, and he ap]3eals from me. 
All right. I will entertain his appeal. He serves the 
attorney-general at Washington, and, just now, I serve 
the Secretary of the Interior. Our common head is the 
President. He shall decide this matter. Meanwhile the 
children will remain at the agency near here ; all parties, 
relations and guardians, can visit them freely at will, 
and, providentially, we have found a Christian matron 
of the same faith as the Mexican guardians, who will 
have the immediate care and instruction of the children 
till the President's wishes shall be known." 

The district attorney, enraged at the decision, offered 
to give bonds if General Howard would let him keep the 
children. 

"!N"o," was the prompt response; ''bonds are not 
necessary. General Crook, with the army, will be secu- 
rity." 

The joy of the Indians was instantly manifested ; they 
laughed and shed tears ; they embraced each other, first 
by the right and then by the left embrace ; Pimas, 
Apaches, Papagos, and all, and soon the Mexicans and 
Americans, catching the spirit of the occasion, mingled 
with the Indians, and returned their hearty demonstra- 
tions with at least a show of cordiality. 

That night, intent upon making peace with those of 
the tribe who would not attend the council, he set out, 
with an aide-de-camp and several other army officers, 



< 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 171 

and tlie agency interpreter, for the general camp of 
Esldminzin's Apaclies, some miles distant from the scene 
of tlie meeting. The Indians were encamped in a wild 
region on high banks bordering a deep ravine, near the 
scene of what was called " the Camp Grant massacre," 
w^here the Indian cliildren had been taken captive. 

It was General Howard's purpose to take with him a 
delegation of these Indians to "Washington to interest 
them in the civilization of which they knew nothing, 
and to impress them, if possible, with the fruitlessness 
of any straggle against the Government. He hoped also 
by this means to keep up a friendly and influential con- 
nection with them until the wild Indians, still at war as 
outlaws, should be brought in and placed on a public 
reserve. For this purpose he made the visit, lighted 
only by the stars, to these Indians, who, on seeing the 
general and his party coming up the ravine, set up a 
great shout, which was followed by the gathering to- 
gether of all the men, women, and children on the reser- 
vation. The interpreter explained the object of the 
visit, and General Howard sat down at the camp-fire of 
the chief. Soon the storm of voices subsided, the terms 
of peace explained, and arrangements were made for his 
Washington delegation from that tribe. GeuBral How- 
ard was greatly helj:>ed, as he had previously been at the 
council and elsewhere, by the father-in-law of Eskiminzin, 
an old Indian (an ex-chief), whose acquaintance and 
friendship he had gained at a preliminary visit to the 
^' Camp Grant Agency." At that time the general, 
when walking wdth an interpreter, saw an old Indian 
almost without clothing, whose magnificently propor- 
tioned head attracted his attention. The Indian was sit- 
ting on a rough bench, looking attentively at General 
[I - Howard and other new arrivals. Learning the name of 



172 noY/AED : the, cheistiak heeo. 

the old chief, General Howard, looking kindly into his 
stolid, expressionless face, directed the interpreter in 
these words : *' Say to Santo that I have a Father- 
above. ' ' It was so told him. ' ' Yon, Santo, have a Father 
above." This also was interpreted. ^' My Father and 
your Father ; He is tlie same Being." The Indian's face 
brightened. '' Then you and 1 must be brothers." 

The old chief quickly rose, the tears stood in his eyes, 
and he went directly to General Howard and put his 
hand into his. From that time this old man became 
General Howard's best assistant and coadjutor among tlie 
Indians. He was the first to consent to go to Wasliing- 
ton, and during the trip never failed in his cordial help 
to keep the Indians in heart amid their new experiences. 

A month from the time of General How^ard's decision 
regarding the Indian children, the President had ratified 
the agreement, and peace was established. 

The visit to Washington was made in July, 1872, the 
Indians attracting much attention eii route. Arriving at 
the capital, they were introduced to the President, who 
welcomed them kindly ; to tlie Secretary of the Interior, 
who made them j^resents which deh'ghted them, and they 
were taken to see the Capitol, the arsenals, the schools, 
the asylums, the prisons, churches, and manufactories. 
They were presented to large assemblies of people who, 
in Washington, Philadelphia, and Kew York, were in- 
terested in them and in the efforts which were being 
made to civilize them. The relations existing betw^een 
General Howard and his fellow-travellers were of the 
most harmonious character ; they looked up to him as to 
a father, and trusted him with the unquestioning confi- 
dence of children. He, in his turn, indulged their 
childish whims, and instructed them as they travelled 
regarding the country, its people, and other objects of 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAIT HERO, 173 

interest. An instance will show how perfect was their 
confidence in General Howard, and how they were dis- 
tressed vrhen anything told by him could not be brought 
within the compass of their limited intelligence. On 
being informed that the world was round, they turned to 
the general in great amazement, and begged of him not 
to make such absurd statements. He assured them that 
one of his own family had started in a ship from the 
port, to which he came back after a long voyage without 
having changed the ship's course. They repeated the 
same reply, and expressed the fear that their friend had 
been bewitched. 

General Howard returned with them to Ai-izona, and 
they were delivered to their respective tribes after their 
long journey of eight thousand miles. Disappointed at 
learning, on his arrival at Camp Apache, that the parties 
despatched to communicate with Cochise had failed to 
reach him, he set out for Kew Mexico to visit other 
tribes yet to be treated with, and had almost given up 
hope of meeting Cochise, when he heard that there was 
one man in Arizona who could get to him unharmed. 
This man, known as Caj^tain Jeffords, had always been 
spared by this chief and his people when other whites 
were killed, and he had penetrated at least once into the 
very camp of these hostiles. Unfortunately, no one 
could tell Jeffords's whereabouts, and General Howard 
reluctantly pursued his journey to the camp of a dissatis- 
fied band of New Mexican Apaches, who were located in 
the western part of that country, in a wild district where 
they were watched by United States troops. These 
Indians had been forced away from the growing settle- 
ments along the Rio Grande, their beloved grounds near 
Canada Alamosa ; and to their new habitation among the 
hills he went to hear their complaints and see what could 



174 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

be done for tliem. An Indian's love of home is one of 
the strongest traits of liis character, and these Indians 
were homesick and unhappy. The kindly peacemaker 
was in their midst, hearing their well-grounded com- 
plaints against those wiio had forced them to accept, in 
lieu of their fertile lands, the wild region they were 
in, and had heen with them for a day at Tulerosa, 
when Captain Jeffords, at evening, made his appearance 
in the neighborhood as a guide to some scouting cavalry. 
General Howard went to the cavalry camp and found 
the noted scout, who, on learning his wishes, agreed to 
take him to Cochise's camp, if he would consent to go 
without escort. The ready assent of General Howard to 
go in any way desired surprised and pleased Jeffords, 
who at once set about making preparations for the trip. 
General Howard was not to part so speedily as he in- 
tended, however, with the Alamosa Indians, who clung 
to him, and insisted upon his visiting their old home 
with a party of their tribe. This would take him a hun- 
dred miles out of his way, but the request was complied 
with, as Jeffords thought it well for him to travel with 
these messengers, and particularly with a young nephew 
of Cochise, whom they found in the Alamosa band, 
and whose presence they hoped would help in obtain- 
ing an interview with his bloody uncle, the old and 
wily Apache chief. The young wife of the nephew 
Chie, who was at Tnlerosa, had been conciliated by 
the present of a beautiful horse, which the general gave 
to her. 

The little party of half a dozen men, the general in 
their midst, set out to travel the hundred miles, camping 
in the woods by night, cooking, eating, and sleeping 
together. When Sunday came General Howard notihed 
his companions that he would halt for the day. The 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 175 

Indians, attaching no special significance to the ddj, 
proposed to have a hunt ; Jeffords told them that it \Yas 
General Howard's habit to meditate and pray on the 
Sabbath. They were much affected at this, and at once 
declined to go on their hunt, saying that they would stay 
in camp. They had only to know the manner in which 
he wished them to act, and obedience was spontaneous. 
After the first day's march, when the dinner was ready, 
General Howard invited the Indians to come and dine 
with him. His table was a piece of canvas spread on 
the ground, and about it they grouped and waited in 
reverential silence while lie asked God's blessing upon 
the repast. This simple act, common enough in the 
homes of our land, these children of the plains witnessed 
for the first time, and they were greatly impressed v/ith 
it. Chie soon became General Howard's devoted friend, 
and when later they met with white men Vvdio hated 
Indians and threatened him, the lad rushed to General 
Howard for protection, and promised a reciprocal thing 
when the wilder Apaches should be reached. 

After Alamosa, on the Rio Grande, had been visited, 
Jeffords desired the influence of another Indian helper, 
the chief of a band called Ponce. This band had just 
escaped from a I^ew Mexican agency, and had been 
driven by Granger's troops into a wild valley about a 
day's journey from Alamosa. To this place General 
Howard, with Captain Sladen, his aide, Jeffords, tlie 
Indian lad Chie, and three others, started early one 
morning, and that afternoon the general, with Jeffords, 
who were several miles in advance of the rest of the 
party, came to the brow of a hill which overlooked a 
deep ravine and bej^ond a meadow-land bordering a 
small stream. There encam23ed, perhaps three miles dis- 
tant, was the band of Ponce. The braves were grouped 



17G HOWARD: THE GHRISTIAIT H^RG. 

in a circle on the ground ; the women were variously 
employed, some watching the ponies that grazed near 
by, others were caring for the bal)ies, while still others 
were engaged in cooking by little fires. The larger 
children were busy at play. General Howard and his 
companion, following the trail of a returning Indian 
scout, descended the ravine at once, and when they had 
arrived at the camp Ponce, who v/as in the circle, left 
his companions and approached the intruders. Jeffords 
explained their business, and General Howard won his 
consent to accompany them by the presentation of a 
horse to him and one to his wife, and by promising to 
give protection and food to his wife while he should be 
away. Accompanied by Ponce, his party now number- 
ing nine persons, he turned his face again toward the 
Apache Pass and the Arizona line. Ponce was the son 
of a famous old chief. Ponce, who had been in his life- 
time a good friend to Cochise ; he could S23eak Spanish, 
and would be therefore of value to General Howard in 
his interviews with the Indians he was to visit, all of 
whom spoke the Mexican-Spanish as fluently as their 
own dialect. 

One or two incidents illustrative of General Howard's 
methods of dealing with the emergencies which arose 
during this long, wearisome march may be related here. 
Over and above the dangers presented by the wild coun- 
try he had to traverse, a constant source of anxiety was 
the attitude of white men toward the Indians of his party. 
These latter consisted, as we have seen, of Chie, the 
nephew of Cochise, and Ponce, the friend of this chief. 
At a small mining town, where they had encamped for 
the night, a hostile demonstration was reported to be on 
foot against his Indian companions. Learning the fact, 
General Howard promptly called a meeting of the peo- 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAI^ HERO. 177 

pie, and explained the wishes of the President and his 
mission to the Indians. In the assembled crowd mnr- 
mnrs of dissatisfaction were heard at first, but the earnest 
words and manly aj)peal of the speaker soon qnieted 
them. When the crowd dispersed, General Howard, % 
considering it imprudent to risk another outburst of 
public feeling against the Indians under his protection, 
left before sunrise. 

"While travelling, one day, he met a party of '^ pros- 
pectors" armed to the teeth. One of the number, a 
strong, rough frontiersman, v/hose brother had been 
murdered by Indians, was particularly bloodthirsty. 
He had sworn revenge, and rejoiced that the opportu- 
nity had now come to retaliate by taking the lives of 
the Indians with General Howard. The latter was 
unarmed, and the assailants outnumbered his men. 
Resistance was useless, and moral power accomplished 
that which physical force would have failed to secure. 
Stepping in front of the Indians, he opened his coat and 
said, "Shoot me first." The men hesitated, when he 
explained to them who he was and what was his purpose 
in travelling with these dusky companions. The leader 
turned aside with an oath, and the general and his 
party went their w^ay. The rest of the journey was 
made in safety. After tracing individual trails to larger 
ones, using the Indians to divine and interpret signs, 
they came to the foot of the Mogollon Range, where 
they reached an Indian outpost, with which Chie ex- 
changed signals, which consisted in barking like coyotes, 
and discovered that it belonged to Cochise. A friendly 
greeting v/as accorded the travellers, who ate and slept 
with their hosts. The leader of this band of scouts, a 
stolid, old Apache, objected to General Howard going to 
ShieJcshah (Cochise) with so many men. After some 



178 HOWARD : THE CHEISTIAK HERO. 

parleying it was decided tliat tlie general should be per- 
mitted to proceed, accomj)anied by two others. 

The next morning General Howard, accompanied by 
Captain Sladen and Jeffords, the scont, and preceded by 
.Ponce and Chie, wonnd their way along the trail over 
the mountain range. On being remonstrated with on 
the imprudence of venturing into the powder of an un- 
friendly band with such a small company, General How- 
ard quietly replied : 

" 1 have considered the situation carefully, and do not 
feel that 1 am doing wrong. This is the work given 
me. ' He that saveth his life shall lose it, and he that 
loseth his life for my sake shall find it.' I have laid 
mine on the altar." 

After a further j^erilous journey of a hundred miles, 
crossing the second range of mountains from the 
Mogollon, the travellers found themselves near the last 
fastness. Here they unpacked their mules, unsaddled 
their horses, and got their dinner, while Chie preceded 
them, gliding down a fearful crag into a deep cut of the 
huge Dragoon Hange. Before sundown two Indian lads 
appeared and guided them six or seven miles into a 
cavernous inclosure, where natural side walls rose up 
hundreds of feet, and the ingress and egress of v/hicli 
could be successfully guarded by half a dozen rifles. 

That night even Chie and Ponce were gloomy. 
Cochise was not there, and the hostile sub-chief in charge 
of the camp, mainly one of women and children, could not 
tell when he would be back. When the general pre- 
pared his blankets and lay down under a tree for such 
repose as would come under the circumstances, he 
noticed that some of the Indian children were near by, 
though the women had all gone to the slopes of the in- 
closing steeps. "When these children gathered about him 



nOWARD : THE CHIIISTIAJ^ nERO. 179 

and several lay down on liis blanket beside liim, lie felt 
greater safety, and was satisfied that he and his compan- 
ions wonld at least live until morning, l^ext morning 
tlie Indians assembled near him, as he consulted with 
Jeffords as to the best step to take ; while talking to- 
gether the brother of the chief appeared riding down the 
ravine, and behind him followed a small, well-mounted 
party. It w\as Cochise, his son, w^ife, and sister, and the 
Indians, when they recognized their chief, sent up a great 
shout of w^ el come. He rode among them, dismounted, 
and seeing Jeffords, embraced him, and was then pre- 
sented to General Howard, whom he eyed suspiciously. 
Shortly afterward a council was held ; blankets were 
spread for Cochise and the strangers, and the Indians, 
men and women, formed a circle about the group. 
Ponce and Chie reported the travels of the white party, 
and when they had concluded Cochise asked the gen- 
eral sternly, ^ollat lie came there for. The latter re- 
plied, " The President sent me to make peace v/ith you, 
Cochise." 

The majestic-looking Indian replied in Spanish, ''No- 
body can want peace more than I do." 

'' Then we will effect it," said General Hov\^ard. 

The talk that followed was a long one, the Indian 
warily avoiding any promise while exacting many. 
Finally the chief abruptly asked, " How long will you 
stay with me V 

It was not a safe place for a white man to be in, but 
General Howard replied, '' As long as is necessary." 

"Well," he answered, "my warriors are faraway 
getting their living, some in Mexico ; it will take ten 
days to get word and bring them in." 

The general answered that he would wait ten days. 
The chief seemed p)leased, and showed signs of trust. 



180 ■ HOWARD : THE CHKISTIAis- HERO. 

wlien his face again clouded, and lie said, " The soldiers 
will kill them as they come back." 

The general answered, '^I^o; I will send Captain 
Sladen with orders." Cochise shook his head in disap- 
' proval, and said, " E"o, you go yourself ; they will obey 
you. Leave Captain Sladen with me ; we have young 
ladies to entertain him." At this the numerous Indian 
maidens clapped their hands and shouted. It was finally 
arranged that General Howard should go to Camp 
Bowie, the nearest army post, upward of fifty miles 
away. He asked the chief to send a guide w^itli him, 
but no Apache lad could be induced to go, certainly not 
before a peace had actually been established. In the 
dilemma Chie stepped out and said, '^ I will go." The 
offer was accepted, and the two, mounted upon mules, 
set out to cross the Dragoon Range and make their way 
to the military garrison through a pathless wilderness. 
The travellers could speak but few words that either 
could understand, and the tedious journey was unrelieved 
by conversation. Guided only by the stars they crossed 
canyons, flanked perilous steeps, and finally reached the 
rolling prairies, entering Hogers' Ranch in a forlorn 
condition. The owner of this ranch was a lonely fron- 
tiersman, and a venturesome whiskey-trader, who was 
finally murdered by the Indians. He took the travellers 
the remaining distance in a wagon, passing en route Apache 
Pass, where the father of Chie, with numerous other 
Apache Indians, had been hanged by our soldiers ten years 
before. This affair it w^as that caused the unrelenting sav- 
agery and hate of Cochise and his band. As the party 
drove into the ravine the young Indian covered his bov/ed 
head, and seem^ed oppressed witli painful emotions. Gen- 
eral Howard comforted him with his sympathy and quieted 
his outburst of feeling before they entered the camp. 



HOYfARD : THE CIIRISTIAiq" HERO. 181 

Major Sumner, wlio was in command of the garrison at 
Bowie, conld at first hardly heheve that the forlorn-looking 
individual, with scratched face and ragged apparel, could 
be the officer he claimed to be, though he had known him 
previously ; and before m^atters were explained several ex- 
asperated soldiers threatened to shoot the Apache in re- 
venge for one of their comrades, who had been dread- 
fully wounded by Indians in ambush only a day or two 
before. General Howard rested while wagons were 
loaded with provisions. Instructions were issued to 
restrain all garrisons and soldiers from prosecuting war 
against Cochise and his band until further orders. Then 
he returned to the stronghold of the Apaches, Cochise, 
Jeffords, Sladen, and a large party of Indians meeting 
them some miles away to welcome hint back. 

Thirteen days altogether General Howard and his 
party remained with these wild savages, utterly at their 
mercy. General Howard had no w^eapon with him, not 
even a pistol. "With but his left hand to use it, he was 
as well off without a weapon as with one, perhaps better 
off. The instinctive hking of the children shown for him 
the first night he entered the camj) most undoubtedly 
turned the scale in his favor and saved the life of himseK 
and Captain Sladen. The absence of Cochise and the 
warriors made the few Indians in camp suspicious, and 
the spies among them, w^ho kept close watch over Gen- 
eral Howard, v/ould have unhesitatingly despatched him 
had he returned their feelings of doubt and mistrust. 
But he had gone there prepared to die, and was cheerful 
and hopeful in consequence. When, however, they saw 
the feeling of the children toward the man, and observed 
that they were sleeping beside him and about him, their 
vigilance relaxed, and Cochise's coming was awaited by 
them vvithout anxiety. The women liked him, and at 



182 HOWARD : THE CHIIISTIAH HERO. 

times, gjpsj-like, made liim dance witli tliem on the 
green. T^YO women would liold to him, one bj his 
hand, the other by liis empty sleeve, till he had given 
them some present, called the dance forfeit. He amused 
himself by teaching the children to make letters, and 
suffering them to teach him counting and other Apache 
words. Cochise soon revered and iinally loved him as a 
brother. One day he said, '' Don't be sad, General, 
w^hen you see the rifle of a white man here, for there has 
been war." Another time he asked Jeffords how Gen- 
eral Howard dared come tliere where every white man 
for years had been killed. Jeffords replied, '' General 
Howard fears nothing." This idea that he neither 
feared nor hated them won the hearts of the Indians. 
Cochise would not suffer tlie smallest article to be taken 
from him unless he gave it as a present. 

At last all the warriors were in, and the council was 
called for the night. The strangers were left by them- 
selves, and they assembled on a plateau in the mountains. 
After some time they were sent for, and went to the 
circle, in the centre of which was Cochise, standing. 
His captains were on the ground about him, sitting in 
Indian fashion. Outside were the women and children. 
They had begun a low chant before General Howard 
and his companions reached them, and this gradually in- 
creased in sound until the high, shrill voices echoed, like 
a wild scream, through tlie caves and canyons of the 
mountain. After it had ceased Cochise spoke, and 
Jeffords, the guide, interpreted his words to mean that 
the spirits had been consulted and had told them that 
the time had come for the Indian and white man to eat 
bread together. 

We can imagine the satisfaction with which General 
Howard received this news ; he eagerly grasped the 



HOWARD : THE CHKISTIAK HERO. 183 

proffered hand of Cochise, and then joined in the hearty 
congratulations with all the camp. 

The next day the officers from Bowie met General 
Howard and the Indians at Dragoon Springs, some ten 
miles distant from the stronghold, and peace was estab- 
lished — a peace which Cochise ke^^t as long as he lived. 
Our own people were the first to violate the conditions 
in subsequent years, and to take those lands from the 
Indians which were giv^en to them by General Howard 
and confirmed by President Grant. 



IX. 



The Court of Inquiry — Vindication — General Howard triumphant — 
Ordered to the Department of the Columbia — The Nez-Perces War 
— Incidents of the pursuit and capture of Chief Joseph and his 
band — An answered prayer — The return — Appointed Superin- 
tendent of the Military Academy at West Point. 

When tlie Freedmen's Bureau act was passed in the 
House, it liad but one majority, its educational feature 
being particularly unpopular with, the re]3resentatiyes. 
Mr. Elliott, of Massachusetts, the chairman of the Freed- 
men's Committee, remarked to General Howard one 
day : '' I rejoice at your work, but I would hardly dare, 
at this time, tell my colleagues what you are doing." 
This statement indicates very conclusively the tone of 
feeling then existing in the minds of those who were to 
make or mar its usefulness. The act creating the Bureau 
was for one year, and it was the wish of its friends in 
Congress to have it do its work and be brought to a final 
close in that length of time. Though Republicans were 
supposed to wish to make it a permanency, and engraft 
another doubtful branch, like the Indian Bureau, u2:)on 
the general government, yet leaders like Mr. Morton, of 
Indiana, were exceedingly anxious to rid themselves of 
a measure that was not popular at the start. 

This being the case, it is not surprising that during 
General Howard's absence from Washington such oppo- 
nents of the Bureau worked toward its abolishment. In 
fact, the Secretary of War (it being a bureau of his de- 
partment) promised a committee of the House to close up 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 185 

its operations if it should be left to liim. This promise 
doubtless governed the last Congressional measure and 
also caused that searching investigation made by the War 
Department into all the accounts of disbursing agents 
during the absence of General Howard. Though no 
substantial charge was raised against him directly, yet 
for a time several of his disbursing oflScers v/ith unsettled 
accounts presented favorable points for partisan attacks 
for the framing of charges. 

Smarting under these unjust charges formulated by the 
Secretary of War, pubhshed in all the newspapers of the 
country, and sent to Congress officially, General Howard 
wrote letters to Generals Grant and Sherman, and also 
to Secretary Belknap, demanding a speedy and thorough 
examination. The one sent to General Sherman best 
portrays his state of mind under the circumstances. 

*« Washington, D. C, November 27, 1873. 
General W. T. Sherman, Commanding Army of the Uniied States. 

' ' Geneeal : On account of the steady confidence you have reposed 
in me, I write the following to you ; I am constrained to take a step 
that I believe I ought to explain to you and to the officers of the 
army affected by it. I wish to be assigned to army duty wherever it 
shall seem best to you to select my place of assignment. 

" You have twice offered me this opportunity. My reasons for not 
promptly embracing the offer were twofold : (1) I was anxious to 
complete the work of the Freedmen's Bureau, to which I had been 
assigned without any solicitation on my part, but which of necessity 
developed into enormous proportions, and which requires time prop- 
erly to close, (2) I was anxious that the university, which had 
grown up under my eye, and which I deemed all important as a part 
of the higher educational advantages I had been instrumental in 
securing, especially for those classes of our people whose interests 
were for a long time so largely committed to my care, should be put 
upon a secure basis in all its breadth of scope, before committing its 
presidency to a successor. 

" I have endeavored to give it an endowment worthy of the object. 
Unexpected opposition, the usual misrepresentation of the motives 



186 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

of one engaged in such a work, and hindrances of a public and pri- 
vate nature have made this work slow and onerous. It is not yet 
done, but I am unable with my private income to continue it. I had 
intended to ask to be placed before a retiring board— in fact, I did so 
apply to the War Department. But I was sent to Arizona and New 
Mexico very soon thereafter, and was obliged to undertake duty 
equally arduous with any that I performed during the war ; on this 
I withdrew my application. I found myself as able to undergo 
fatigue and privation and all the labor that jpertains to field duty 
as at any previous time in my life. You will remember also that 
the loss of my arm never disabled me from the performance of any 
duty demanded of me as a general officer. I have, however, often 
thought of retiring, hoping that my hard services during the war, 
and the much harder services required of me since the war, would 
be considered in my favor. But under present circumstances it is 
not prudent for me to take this step of asking to be retired. 

" While many who commanded a division only for a time have 
been retired with the rank of major-general, I cannot lawfully be so 
retired, because I was v/ounded so early in the war, while a briga- 
dier, commanding a brigade, and would, therefore, be obliged to 
retire as a brigadier. 

" This might seem to be ample, and would be doubtless but for 
the obligations I have been forced to incur in the work providentially 
given me to do. 

* ' I confess that weightier reasons affect me now than any I have 
given to influence my return to army duty. 

" Bulletins affecting me unfavorably have gone broadcast. My in- 
tegrity is officially acknowledged, I admit, and I hold letters of high 
commendation ; and further, my seven years of unremitting toil, 
anxiety, and responsibility are known, and the good fruits are seen 
by those who care to see and acknov/ledge them. 

" Yet it is idle for me to try to conceal from myself the plain fact 
that there is a persistent effort to tarnish my record, and if not in 
official quarters the result is precisely the same. All the books and 
papers of a large bureau are transferred to other hands. 

" A lengthy examination is then instituted, and whatever there- 
suits of this examination may be, from it grows public suspicion and 
accusation against me and the honorable officers who were associated 
v>dth me. 

" Now all this I wish to face. You have seen me in battle, and 
know how I can face death. I shall face accusation with the same 
fearless spirit. I wish to go to duty, to give all accusers ample time 



HOWAED : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 187 

and opportunity to round out their charges, and if they see fit so to 
do, I wish to be tried by a court-martial as the tribunal best suited to 
one of my history and rank. 

" Again, I have another reason for service. Should we now have 
a war with Spain, to free more slaves from dire oppression and de- 
fend the honor of our flag, the President would surely give me the 
opportunity of service, I do not wish to be shelved or crushed. 

" Is it not a good thing to endeavor to preserve, and not destroj'", 
the fair fame of men vv^ho ardently love their country, and who have 
in a series of successful battles demonstrated that this love is no 
empty boast ? 

" By the consideration of past service, by my earnest loyalty to 
my country, by my desire to preserve an unsullied record for my 
children's inspection, I ask for my proper place among the ofTicers of 
the arm J'-. 

' ' I am not only conscious of integrity, but of fidelity. My work 
was of necessity incomplete, but no wrong on the part of any ofl&cer 
or clerk was ever knowingly covered up by me, and I was as diligent 
as I could be in the jjursuit of wrong-doers. 

" I shrink from no danger or trial or duty, but I deprecate insinua- 
tion and suspicion. On j)ublic and personal grounds I ask your aid 
to restore me to the post of service and confidence that I know you 
to believe belongs to me. 

"Very respectfully yours, 
*' O, O. HowAED, Brigadier-General U. S. Army." 

Tlie Special Court of Inquiry was appointed, with 
General Sherman as president, and after a thorough ex- 
amination of QYerj charge its findings were as follows : 

"First The court is of opinion that, in matters referred to it for 
investigation, General 0. 0. Howard has not, with knowledge and 
intent, violated any law of Congress, regulation of the army, or rule 
of morals, and that he is ' not gviilty ' upon legal, technical, or moral 
responsibility in any of the offences charged. 

" Second. The court finds that General Howard, when charged by 
his superiors with a great work arising out of the war, devoted his 
whole time and all his faculties and energies to the execution of that 
work. In this he employed hundreds of assistants, and dealt with 
hundreds of thousands of men. In regard to the expenditure of 
money, it appears that his accounts are closed and settled to the sat- 
isfaction of the accounting officers of the Treasury, whose decisions 



188 HOWAKD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

in such matters are by law the highest authority, ' final and conclu- 
sive upon tlie executive branch of the government, and subject to 
revision only by Congress or the proper courts.' 

^^ Third. In relation to the investment of certain public moneys in 
United States bonds, while the court does not hold that such invest- 
ments were justified by existing laws, yet, in view of the fact that 
these investments were made only under the opinion and advice of 
the Second Comptroller, the court attaches no blame to General 
Howard therefor. The investment of portions of a similar fund — 
viz., the ' irregular bounty fund,' had previously been authorized by 
express law. 

^'Fourth. Some questions arising out of the sudden termination of 
the operations and organization of the Freedmen's Bureau yet remain 
to be settled, with those who were formerly subordinates and assist- 
ants to the commissioner. Some few erroneous payments made by 
honest subordinates, and some others made, or not made, by officers 
now dead or cashiered for fraud, remain to be adjusted. The adjust- 
ment of these matters belongs properl}' to the successors of General 
Howard in the Bureau ; and in these matters, as in all others brought 
to notice of the court during thirty-seven days of careful and labori- 
ous investigation, the court finds that General Oliver 0. Howard did 
his whole duty, and believes that he deserves well of his country.' ' 

This was not tlie result hoped for bj rivals ; instead 
of censure the court gave General Howard high praise, 
and President Grant's apj)roval was quickly affixed to its 
findings. Howard's long martyrdom was ended, and on 
the 3d of July he received his appointment to the com- 
mand of the Department of the Columbia, with head- 
quarters at Portland, Oregon. 

As may be imagined, the troubles that prevented a 
peaceful solution of the Freedmen's Bureau problem, 
and cost General Howard so much personal anxiety and 
annoyance, reacted upon his devoted household. Soon 
after entering npon his duties as commissioner. General 
Howard removed his family from Maine to "Washington, 
and for nine years they resided uninterruptedly there, 
occupying for a time a house on the corner of Pennsyl- 
vania Avenue and Twenty-fifth Street, and afterward 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 189 

moving to the University gromids. Tliey had many army 
friends at the capital, and were happy in the reunion of 
family and friends after years of separation ; and but for 
the persecutions which were waged npon General Howard 
throngh political and personal hostility, the home-life 
would have been delightful. It was ever a restful and 
peaceful retreat after the trials of each day, and when 
the storm was fiercest and the future looked darkest, 
then did it seem indeed a veritable haven to the weary 
man. It was the hope of the hearthstone circle that.^ 

!* after his return from Arizona, he would be released 
from the department over which he had presided and be 
permitted to rejoin the army. As we have seen, he 
{ returned only to meet the mental and pecuniary drain of 
a trial by a military court, which he in self-justice had 
been forced to demand. On the day when the charges 
which resulted in this court were first published. General 
Howard, entirely ignorant of the blow in store for him, 
went to his ofiice as usual, and was busy at his desk when 
an intimate friend entered, and, after a few remarks, 
inquired if he had seen the Eew York papers. He 
had not, he said, and carelessly asked vrhat was in them. 
The painful task of informing him of the charges that 
had been sent broadcast over the land that morning was 
performed, and General Howard sat reading them in 
silent anguish, when a poor woman entered and made an 
appeal for help. His state of mind was such that he 
could hardly comprehend her words at first ; but, sum- 
moning strength, he kindly inquired into her case, 
relieved her wants^ sent her away happy, and then went 
home. His wife received the papers he handed to her, 
and sat down beside the sofa on which he had thrown 
himself until she had read the cruel charges through in 
silence. Her ready tact and composure were never so 



190 HOWARD : THE chuistiait hero. 

greatly needed, for tlie strong man's heart was sorely 
Inirt by the ruthless slanders uttered against Inm ; and as 
she laid the papers aside she gave him encouraging assur- 
ances that it would all come out right. Long and earnest 
were the silent prayers he offered, and searching was the 
examination he made of himself to see that no hatred of 
those who w^ere persecuting him was in his heart. 
Finally he arose and went to his desk to write the letters 
to General Sherman and others, that secured the prompt 
trial which resulted in his vindication. 

Then it was decided that he and Mrs. Howard should 
go to New York to engage counsel, and the journey was 
made, the tired couple returning to Washington on the 
evening of the second day thereafter. During their ab- 
sence the occasion had been taken by some of their 
friends to place in their parlor a reminder of their love 
and unalterable confidence in the general. 

The children welcomed their parents with impatient de- 
light, and one of the little boys urged his mother to come 
directly to the parlor. Yielding to his entreaties, she 
went to the room, and found, in addition to its usual fur- 
nishings, a superb piano. On the instrument was the 
sentence, '' From your friends, " and embroidered on the 
rich cover was the verse, '^ Blessed are ye, when men 
shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all man- 
ner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." ^' The date 
affixed was the same as that on w^hich the charges were 
preferred by the Secretary of War. 

The children could give no information regarding the 
donors, and, thinking that a sight of the beautiful instru- 
ment would cause great pleasure, were surprised to see 
both father and mother weeping. They were completely 



* Matt. 5 : 11. 



nOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 191 

unnerved and overjoyed, and tlieir joy was of tlie kind 
that is closely allied to pain. Years af terv/ard, in speak- 
ing of tills event, Mrs. Howard, with a beautiful light 
shining through her tears, said, " It came at a time when 
we did not know that we had a friend !" They never 
knew to whom they were indebted for this prized gift. 

The Department of the Columbia, to which the gen- 
eral was assigned, included Washington Territory, Idaho, 
and Alaska. Here had been terrible wars with the 
Indian tribes of the Simcoes, "Walla "Wallas, Umatillas, 
Spokanes, and others, the last being with the relentless 
Modocs, where General Canby and his companions were 
treacherously slain. General Howard visited ail the 
tribes and agencies ; he saw the friendly and unfriendly, 
and even penetrated the remote territory of Alaska, and 
answered earnest petitions of those Indians for teachers, 
by securing the attention and interest of missionary 
bodies for the poor red man of the fcir West. 

Many chiefs of Washington Territory and Idaho, who 
had been irritated and driven to hostility by those reck- 
less frontiersmen, who, for the sake of trade, continued 
to sell whiskey, arms, and ammunition, and took posses- 
sion of their lands, did not scruple to betray them, were 
conciliated and persuaded to peace. Isfot a few travelled 
hundreds of miles to meet him, and scrupulously kept 
with him all their ao;reements. The famous Chief 
Moses, who reigned over a few wild lands in the extreme 
north-west, was once treacherously seized by white men, 
disarmed, put in irons, and confined in a close prison. 
When first surprised he ordered his followers to put 
down their arms and not lire, for he had so promised 
General Howard. In prison he continued to entreat that 
General Howard should be informed of his case, for he 
constantly averred that the instant that friend knew of 



192 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 

liis trouble lie would be released. Moses did not trust in 
vain. He was released and restored to his place by 
General Howard at the expense of much hostility and 
many curses from those wdio were determined to annihi- 
late this Indian and his tribe. Subsequently, during the 
severe wars of 1877 and 1878, thousands of Indians were 
kept at peace by the help of Moses and others whom 
General Howard had bound by ties of mutual trust to 
himself. 

In 1877, while in command at Portland, Or., and 
inspecting his post of Lapwai, Id., trouble broke out 
between the Nez Perces Indians and the settlers, induced 
primarily by the reductions of their reservation. The 
course of the Government toward the tribe was not 
based on absolute or even relative justice, and the Ind- 
ians naturally resorted to retahatory measures. General 
Howard, in his book '' 'Nez Perces Joseph," * gives a 
history of this tribe, and sets forth the true state of affairs 
which brought on war and caused so much bloodshed be- 
fore it was subjugated. Speaking of the responsibility 
of the Government for many of the WTongs inflicted 
upon the red man, General Howard says : 

** It is difficult to explain the almost uniform injustice which the 
American people have practised toward the Indians. I do not be- 
lieve that we are worse than the French, the Sj^anish, or than our 
English neighbors in British Columbia, though surely we can nearly 
match the massacre of St. Bartholomew, the cruelties of the Inquisi- 
tion, or the ferocity of London rioters in our dealings with the red 
men. I am inclined to believe the jar to be in our unadjustable sys- 
tem, which, like a machine built upon a springy soil, is perpetually 
out of gear. Our fathers, finding the Indians here, and being dis- 
posed to peace, first recognized in them the right of occupancy of the 
lands. This recognized right the Indians have always misunder- 



■"' Nez Perces Joseph. His Pursuit and Capture. Lee & Shopard, 
publishers, Boston. 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 193 

stood. They have believed it to mean much more than simple occu- 
pancy. 

" As our new settlements have rapidly extended, we have entered 
into and recorded solemn treaties, by which we have made of the 
numerous small tribes so many nations. Soon the national and local 
laws, which are constantly in conflict with the laws of these inde- 
pendent nations, go into active and often antagonistic operatior 
For example : the settler, in carrying out the homestead law, plants 
his stakes on the Indian's farm. A petty contest results. An Indian 
or a white man is killed. Close upon this follows a horrid Indian 
war — a war so outrageous that ho7ia fide forgiveness anywhere in the 
neighborhood of the remembered crimes seldom, if ever, succeeds." 

Blood was shed in the Nez Perces war by white men 
first, and the w^ork of murder was begun ; the non- 
treatj portion of the tribe, who boasted that they had 
never killed a white man, at last went to war, commit- 
ting outrages too horrible to recall needlessly. General 
Howard took the field in person, and continued to gather 
his troops and combat the Indians till he had conquered 
them in battles. At last the wily and able young chief, 
Joseph, with his braves, women, and children, and his 
droves of ponies, undertook a flight of more than thir- 
teen hundred miles, in order to pass the familiar buffalo 
hunting grounds, get into Canada, and form junction 
with Sitting Bull, the chief w^ho had previously de- 
stroyed General Custer and his cavalry. The pursuit 
was conducted across the continent, and General How- 
ard was fortunate to secure the co-operation of other 
forces than his own, especially that of General Miles, so 
that Joseph and his warriors were finally defeated and 
the band captured before they passed the British line. 

The Christian spirit which has been often referred to 
in these pages as the marked characteristic of this soldier 
of the cross, as of his country, was beautifully exhibited 
in tliis instance. He had been greatly depressed in 
consequence of the lack of entire success in the cam- 



194 HOWAED : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

paign, though he had beaten the Indians in every battle 
where he himself had engaged them. The work, in his 
judgment, would not be completed until the tribe was 
captured or surrendered. While riding along with sev- 
eral of his officers one day, after news had reached him 
that Miles, to whom Howard had given the cue, was 
pursuing the Indians, one of his officers expressed a 
doubt of the latter' s success. General Howard, who 
had been silently asking for God's help in the case, 
turned suddenly to Colonel Mason, and said they would 
finally succeed ; he added that he had prayed earnestly 
to God to give him the victory, even if he himself lost 
the credit of the campaign. His spirits became brighter 
after this prayer, and he was as confident as though the 
end was already accomplished. 

Dr. Alexander, at his side, said, '* What is more hope- 
less ? There isn't one chance in a milhon for Miles. I 
cannot see. General, where you find your hope." 

*' All right," was the cheerful reply ; ^^ see if 1 do not 
prove a true prophet. ' ' 

It was as he predicted it would be. General Miles, 
being apprised of the situation in time by despatches 
from General Howard, gave chase, and with his fresh 
troops soon intercepted the savages, offered battle, and 
drove them to their deep trenches, but his work was not 
completed before General Howard and his scouts, in 
advance of the main body of his troops, reached the 
camp. The latter used his own scouts to negotiate the 
surrender ; but when the Indians came trooping in, and 
Joseph and others extended their rifles to him, he waved 
them off to General Miles, vv^ho received them. The 
prayer renouncing all desire to have the credit of cap- 
turing his enemies, if only the campaign might bo 
successful, v/as remembered by him, and he generously 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 195 

gave to another the honors of the result. But, let it be 
observed, he does not stint the praise due to his own 
troops, even in his own self -surrender. Of this campaign 
and its outcome General Howard says, in the volume 
named : 

" After Miles' s march and engagement there arose all sorts of 
heart-burnings, reports filled with claims and counter-claims for 
credit. There were necessarily diversities of statement, rivalries, 
criminations, and controversies, such as we read of in Europe after 
an important battle or campaign. ... I was sent to conduct a war 
without regard to department or division lines. This was done with 
all the energy, ability, and help at my command, and the campaign 
was brought to a successful issue. As soon as the Indians reached 
General Terry's department Gibbon was despatched to strike his 
blow ; then Sturgis, in close alliance, and finally Miles in the last 
terrible battle. These troops participated in the struggle with ex- 
posure, battle, and loss, as we have seen. They enjoyed the appre- 
ciation and thanks of their seniors in command and of their country- 
men. But when, with the fulness of an honest and generous recog- 
nition of the work, gallantry, losses, and success of all co-operating 
forces, I turn my attention to the troops that fought the first battles, 
and then pursued the swift-footed fugitives with unparalleled vigor 
and perseverance, amid the severest privations, for more than a thou- 
sand miles, would it be wonderful if I magnified their doings and 
gave them, were it possible, even an overplus of praise for the part 
they bore in this campaign ? 

" Personally, according to the covenant which I have recorded, I 
Bhall be satisfied to let another bear the crown of triumj^h, while my 
heart is deeply moved with thankfulness that the work itself was 
brought to a successful conclusion." 

From the beginning of the pursuit until the embarka- 
tion on the Missouri River for the homeward journey, 
including all halts and stoppages, occupied from July 
27 to October 10 (seventy-five days), and General 
Howard's command marched one tliousand three hundred 
and twenty-one miles. During this campaign, when 
asked one day, w^hile the soldiers were burying the bodies 
of those the Indians had butchered and mutilated, if 



196 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

he was not disgusted with war when looking over the 
bloody field after a battle, he answered, *' Yes, yes ; 
disgusted, horror-stricken ; but it is the same with rail- 
way accidents, and with fire and pestilence. Indian 
warfare is horrid, but Indian massacres, outrages, and 
brutality, and Indian rule, which is war, are a thousand 
times worse." 

In this campaign he had an assembly on Sunday, 
whenever it was possible and proper, for religious 
services, and he says of one of these meetings, held at a 
post where he stopped for supplies : 

" I -was glad enough to have this service of prayer, singing, and 
Bpeaking before we left. I think many besides myself felt as I did. 
There is a stern reality in going from all you love into the dread un- 
certainty of Indian fighting, where, perhaps, the worst form of tor- 
ture and death await you. It is very wise and proper to ask God's 
blessing, and particularly so in these turning-points of life, when 
about to plunge into the dark clouds of any warfare." 

It was reported and published in the press generally, 
because of a necessary halt, on one particular Sabbath 
day, when time was precious, that he wasted the day in 
giving religious exhortation to his command and in the 
distribution of some three hundred Bibles. Of course it 
was not believed, even by those who took the pains to 
extend its circulation. It is a fact that in General How- 
ard's military history he never made a halt for religious 
exercises when the least necessity existed for action. 

The Piute and Bannock war of the next year, 1878, 
began outside the limits of his department, but worked 
back through it, rolling up tribe after tribe like a big 
snowball ; first the Bannocks, then the Flutes, and 
finally the treacherous Umatillas, with some others, 
sprang to the war-path again. General Howard took the 
field and pursued them until, after several battles, they 



HOWAED : THE CHniSTIAif HERO. 197 

wero conquered. Then, wliile combing the country by 
numerous small columns, he managed to gather all the 
Indians who had dispersed and spread themselves over 
the country, like so many frightened birds. He gath- 
ered them and put them upon a reservation, where they 
could have good farms and competent teachers. In this 
campaign he travelled nearly two thousand miles, and 
wdien he had concluded it the Indians whom he had 
fought were his friends. 

Bad men in not a few cases cursed his name for 
his lenity. One instance may be recorded. A rough 
frontier patriot on a steamer excited a crowd against the 
general, who was, so far as his friends or his officers 
were concerned, alone at the time. The man fiercely 
accused him of treachery in saving the lives of murder- 
ous savages, and the crowd hooted. General Howard 
walked toward him and said, '^ What is the matter ?'' 

' ' You receive the surrender of Indians, ' ' was the 
reply. 

'' What would you do, sir ?" 

'' I would kill them all," said the patriot. 

" Then, sir," answered the general, in firm tones, 
" you would be a murderer. My Government and the 
law of nations demand that I recognize the white flag." 

The man in fury began to threaten, when General 
Howard, facing the crowd, said : 

" Sir, I have never turned a corner in my life to 
avoid a bullet ; what do you propose to do ?" 

A revulsion of feeling instantly set in as the people 
recognized the spirit of the soldier before them. They 
cheered General Howard, and the man, in approval also 
of his course, invited him to take a drink, an invitation 
which he promptly declined. 

The ascendency which General Howard could exercise 



198 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

over a hostile crowd was shown in another similar in- 
stance. A saloon-keeper, who had been at one time 
imprisoned for crime, one day, in the streets of Port- 
land, Or., gathered a nnmber of roughs to do Mm harm. 
As the general was passing, he cried out a bitter charge 
of gross criminality. General Howard walked through 
the crowd, faced the man, and said, '' You know that 
what you say is not true !" The man's countenance 
instantly changed, and, to the surprise of the bystanders, 
he said, ^^ Yes, General Howard, I know you're a good 
man, but you interfere with my business." Others, 
standing about, ready to mob him, said, '^ "We will not 
strike him; don't strike him ; he has no arms and is a 
cripple," referring to the loss of his right arm. 

A Spokane chief, who had been protected in his rights 
by General Howard, came six hundred miles to put 
his children at school in the general's department. 

On the steamer that took General Howard from that 
department, in 1880, the last interview between this 
chief and the general took place. The former was a 
magnificent specimen of a man and a good Christian. 
He seemed simple as a child as he pleaded with the gen- 
eral to remain among them. ^^ We have given you our 
hearts," he said; ^'how can you leave us? What 
shall we do without you ?" 

This sad leave-taldng reminded General Howard of 
his parting with the wild Cochise in 1872. As the latter 
stood upon his own reserve, which General Howard had 
secured to him, he said, '' You mast not go ; stay with 
us and all wn'll be well." The general asked him, '^ If 
you gave orders to one of your captains to go and do a 
work and then return, what would you do to him if he 
disobeyed you ?" 

'^ I would pmiish him," w^as the prompt reply. 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAI^ HERO. 199 

^^ Well, the President lias sent me, and I mnst obey 
my orders ; is it not right ?" 

'^ Yes ; but ask him to let you come again," was the 
reply. 

General Howard promised to do so, v\^hen the warrior 

approached, put his arms about and held him for some 

minutes against his breast. General Howard has had 

many wars with the Indians, but could the truth be 

known his influence has been nine to one for peace. His 

soul, instead, rejoices in schools, churches, and homes. 
•X- * -x- ^ * * 

The country learned with satisfaction of General 
Howard's appointment to the suj)erintendency of the 
Military Academy at West Point as the successor of 
General Schofield, whose term had expired. His family 
removed thither, and soon Mrs. Howard and her younger 
children were established near by the little cottage in 
which her three eldest children, now grown up and gone 
from her, had played in infancy. 

The position of superintendent is one requiring much 
hospitality on the part of the family of the incumbent. 
The Howards were rarely without guests, and, apart 
from the army circles in which they moved, there were 
many visitors attracted to West Point by reason of 
General Howard' s presence there — ministers, philanthro- 
pists, members of the same denomination, who availed 
themselves of his nearness to New York to make or to 
renew his acquaintance. Parents of cadets went there 
to consult with the superintendent, old soldiers who had 
served in war time with him, and retired officers, who 
renewed their memories of cadet days by attending the 
.reunions. There was never a day that some stranger 
was not presenting himself at the front door, and it may 
be' imas-ined that the duties of host were not hVht. 



200 HOWARD : THE CnPtlSTIAIT HERO. 

General Howard, on assuming the position of superin- 
tendent, addressed himself to the improvement of the 
cadets' mess, which had been complained of universally 
by the young men. An officer was appointed to take 
charge of this important department, and the result was 
a marked and a permanent change for the better. The 
quality of the food was improved, and the cadet corps 
was animated by a spirit of gratitude to the new superin- 
tendent. 

General Howard's solicitation being added to numer- 
ous petitions, Rev. Mr. Postlethwaite was appointed 
chaplain, and in order to make his services of practical 
value to the cadets he had a room set apart for his use 
in the barracks. Here he met the young men, who, at 
their leisure time, would call upon him, and he became 
interested in them, and they in him as they became better 
acquainted. 

The Bible -class and Sunday-school increased in num- 
bers, and the church attendance was larger. The de- 
merit roll was a feature of the academy which General 
Howard greatly disliked ; and, while he remained at the 
head of the cadets he controlled its objectionable features 
as far as it was possible under existing circumstances. 
The system of vexatious espionage he disapproved, and 
it w^as his determination to have broken it down had he 
remained there. Ho objected also to the entrance ex- 
aminations, believing it an injustice to young men, who 
in many instances had been ruined for life by failure 
to pass an examination, which at a time of less mental 
anxiety they could have met successfully. He argued 
that a great government had no right to put a blight 
upon a lad's life by compelling him to meet an examina- 
tion when he was enduring the strain of new associations 
and some hardships not down in the curriculum. His 



HOWARD : THE CHRIBTIAK HERO. 201 

experience had taught him the injustice of this course 
of treatment toward the youth, who, fresh from home 
and friends, was compelled to meet mental and physical 
demands before he had time, in his new surroundings, 
to learn to endure them philosophically. 

To one who looks upon the military training as imper- 
fect unless it comprehends the broadest moral culture, 
the West Point system has its faults, and General How- 
ard was intent upon correcting them. In this he was 
much opposed, and finally was, for other alleged reasons, 
removed. In 1882 he was transferred to the command 
of the Department of the Platte, with headquarters at 
Omaha, and thither he removed his family in the early 
fall of that year. 

From Maine to Alaska General Howard had made the 
circuit of the country in his military career, and had 
now reached the heart of the continent. With the Ind- 
ians at peace and no distm^bing elements to demand extra 
vigilance on the part of the commander, he has had 
time to do much literary work, and has lectured occa- 
sionally in cities adjacent to his field of labor. In 
his present position he has made many friends and per- 
formed much good work. As the years have passed his 
religion has broadened and his Christian zeal has in- 
creased. He is not, and never was, a conventional Cliris- 
tian ; were he such he would please niany more than he 
has or will. 

In the opinion of the world a certain amount of relig- 
ion is proper and decorous, but it does not indorse the 
earnest, impetuous zeal of a man like Howard, who is 
absorbed in the thought, '' I have laid my life upon the 
altar, and must work for the Lord. ' ' To begin the day 
with prayer, to read the Scriptures in the presence of 
his family, to select a verse that shall be the subject of 



202 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

meditation dnring the twenty-four liours, and to live and 
act to the highest light he possesses, is his idea of personal 
duty. His theology has sometimes troubled the elders 
because of its broadness of outline, and his constant dis- 
position to forget the limitations of sects and creeds. 
He defines his position in the orthodox church in the 
following letter : 

" Omaha, Neb., November 28, 1884. 

" My deae Feiend : Yon would like to know if tiiere is any peculi- 
arity in my religious convictions or beliefs— if they differ from tlioso 
of the brethren of the so-called ' orthodox churches.' I really think 
not when the true and real beliefs of men and women are considered ; 
but some of my convictions differ widely from those imputed to us. 

'^ First. I have never trusted to the letter of the Scriptures of the 
Old and New Testaments, for ' the letter Idlleth, but the spirit maketh 
alive.' These Scriptures are the choicest mine to me, of gold and 
silver and precious stones. The words, the chapters, the books of 
the New Testament, are the complement of the Old, and the one is 
essential to the other. As the person is made up of body, mind, 
and soul, so is the Bible. The Spirit of God breathes through the 
Book as you would anticipate, for the Book has been written by holy 
men, who have been moved by the Holy Ghost as they have written. 
Of course mistakes or slight discrepancies which exist here and there 
do not spoil the Book any more than the little alloy spoils the gold, 
or a little loose soil thrown in spoils the well. The best gold can be 
obtained from the alloy, the best water can be filtered from the well. 
Yes, go to God's Word with the right spirit, and there is no part of 
it that will not yield good to the pure soul. 

" As to depravity, I always say to myself, * There is a deprivation 
of original completeness. ' So every man falls below the perfect man. 
How to get men back to that completeness is always the problem pre- 
sented. God can do it. He can bring a man up to the standard. 
Giving to our God all the powers that are attributed to Him and con- 
ceiving them to be unlimited, my mind does not worry over them ; 
for while I know that He by His laws freezes, drowns, and otherwise 
destroys men, and that His sovereignty cannot be impeached or gain- 
said, yet I prefer to dwell mainly in the atmosphere of His love. I 
assume His great loving kindness and tender mercy. 

" Tfie sun in the heavens may be made a means of torture, but its 
whole intention and lawful action is beneficent. Christ is God's 



HOWARD : THE CHEISTIAH HERO. 203 

Spirit-Sun. He may be made the means of spirit unrest and poignant 
Borrow, but the v/hole intention, the whole plan, is beneficent. 

" Christ is to me always the manifestation of infinite love. Jesus 
the man is a perfect man, the son of Mafy ; but Christ the God part, 
the Anointed One, is not earth-born. The Christ principle — an 
active force— came in power ten days after Jesus ascended, and has 
been in the world ever since. It is the Spirit of the Living God, 
usually called the Holy Spirit. It restores to me, after I am born 
again, what I call my normal power. It enables me and any man of 
faith in God, through Christ, to perform miracles, not necessarily 
touching the body or the intellect, but touching the soul. Another 
soul to which I am sent may find the new birth through me, helped 
by this power. A man who has been all his life bad, with a hard, 
unkind face, may be changed by me when thus helped by the Spirit, 
so that his life becomes good and his face is softened and grows 
tender, sympathetic, and helpful. Selfishness is converted into un- 
selfishness. 

'* Life, sx)irit life, everlasting life, it is the pearl of great price ; by 
my help, by the Christian's hel^?, this life may begin in a soul. God 
gives this life ; has always done so. He made it plain through 
Christ. He reveals Himself through Christ to me. 

"When I read the commandments and think, or M'hen I meditato 
and watch the motions of my conscience, I know that the command- 
ments or the laws written in my mind have been infracted. I turn 
from wrong done or intended with sorrow ; I purpose fully, v/ith no 
secret drawbacks, to make all possible amends for the wrong done, 
and, further, never, never to do the wrong again. Even in this that spirit 
helps me. The Spirit shows me Christ as a loving Brother, as a ten- 
der, sympathizing Friend. The Holy Spirit cleanses me and then 
fills me — with what ? Peace, joy, hope, love, zeal for helping others. 

" A present salvation is perhaps my hobby. I like the word life 
better. You, any friend I have, can have this life — should have it. 
How are all the helps obtained ? God has established a simple prin- 
ciple, so simple that it is despised ; it is only the asking-principle. As 
a little child asks its mother, so we — ' I will to be inquired of.' Why 
not? 

*' Again, fear God never did mean be afraid of God. I did not 
like to see the distress of my good mother, so I obeyed her. It is 
only a fear to do wrong. 

" Now, as to a penalty. Let one lie down on his back and open his 
eyes to the sharp rays of the noonday sun ; it will give him intense 
pain, and no theorizing can prevent it. Put a proi^er shield between 



204 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAIT HERO. 

his eyes and the sun, and the light gives him only pleasuro. This 
but poorly suggests the truth. I suffer so when I do wrong, and feel 
that the Sj)irit reproves me, that I want a shield — Come unto mo 
and I will rest you. I go, then, by the asking-principle and I find my 
shield. How about the eternity of the soul-penalties ? Demons (the 
souls of departed men not in unison with the Divine or Holy Spirit, 
the souls whose eyes are tortured by this intense sunlight) are not 
happy. They flee away from Christ, they really prefer swine to His 
presence. When will they seek Christ and love Him ? I fear their 
doY/nward tendencies grow stronger. I have only the Holy Spirit 
and the Holy Word to guide me in this. There is no wish in me that 
another shall have soul pain ; there is no such wish in the heart of 
God. 

" Suppose I have life as a gift, and hold it out to a friend. Suppose 
he declines the gift. I entreat him to accept it, but he says plainly, 
* I prefer not to have it,' or he says, ' If I take it, it is upon my own 
terms.' ' No, my friend, your terms destroy the gift itself.' 

" There is in every soul a will-power. Force the will, and it is 
weakened. Prevail over it constantly, and it is at last destroyed. 
The very capacity for pure, simple, lovely, holy affections may bo 
lost. This loss is the penalty, and the ache is tougher than somo 
men think. God's redemption is doubtless beyond our weak concep- 
tion of its power. But for my dear friends, and for all with whom I 
come in contact, I would rather not have them live one day in the 
torture of an unhappy soul — no, not even in the apathy of an un- 
thinking soul. 

" The presenting of an obstinate and hateful face to the tenderest 
loving-kindness certainly is not wise ; and to trust to the spirit-land 
for a change when the inducements cannot be any greater than in 
this terrestrial land, is the sheerest folly. 

"How about the atonement? That is God's part, and He has 
well accomplished it Himself, and made an exhibit of it in the life- 
sufferings, especially the spiritual or soul- sufferings of that wonder- 
ful Being, Jesus Christ. God never ceases to have Christ say, ' Come 
unto me.* Every one that heedeth the call finds the atonement all 
done, so far as he himself is concerned. 

" I took down the names of numerous friends, after I realized the 
completQ forgiveness of my own offences, and I prayed for them and 
wrote to them, or talked with them. I believe all of them came to 
the same healing fountain. Each one found the atonement com- 
Iplete— that is, the ability to get back to the proper spirit-condition 
of unison with God. 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTTAN HERO. 205 

*' My iiltimato philosophy is very simple. Behold it in the prac- 
tice : study the Scriptures ; read them daily ; have family reading 
and prayer ; ask God's blessing at meals ; spend the Sabbaths in 
seeking spiritual benefit ; try every day to make somebody happier 
and better ; go to the meeting for prayer to meet the Great King, 
and put in with others our petitions. The gathering of two or three 
has Christ's promise to sustain it. When people of old spoke often 
to one another and to Him in company, He hearkened to them ; so 
will He now. 

" I have tried to avoid a theological way of saying things— in fact, 
I am not a theologian, but have been long trying in jDlain language to 
give a clear reason for the actual hope that is within my soul. 

" You say, How with the vast outside x^arties— Pagans, Buddhists, 
Mohammedans, etc. — and how with those before Christ ? My answer 
is, it is a limitless God that I speak of ; all are affected through Him. 
Christ is His spiritual manifestation. Just how He manages in tho 
detail with every creature, who can tell? The Christ-Spirit has 
probably visited every soul in the universe. The rejection of the 
way, the truth, and the life was as plain in Cain and in King Saul as 
in Judas. The acceptance was as clear in Enoch and Joseph as in 
John and Philip. Without or within the circle, there infinite wisdom 
and love are always the same. 

" Sincerely yours, 

" 0. O. HOWAT^D." 



In the ppring of 1 884: General Howard asked for and 
obtained a six months' leave for the purpose of visiting 
Europe ; and in order to grant him an extension of time, 
the War Department ordered him to do duty first in 
Egypt for one month. He was required to witness and 
report upon active opera^tions in that country, and then 
to visit France and report upon matters connected with 
the grand manoeuvres of the Seventeenth Corps d' Armee. 
Sailing from IS^ew York early in March, he was absent 
until the middle of November following. His detailed 
report covered his visit to Egypt and the information 
gleaned from the staff-officers and others of the cam- 
paign of "VYolseley, ending with the battle of Tel-el- 



206 HOWARD : THE ClIHISTIAiq- HERO. 

^Kebir, the battles of El Teb and Tamai, and the mas- 
sacres under Hicks and Baker Pashas, with an acconnt of 
General Gordon's work in the Soudan. He wrote and 
published military articles on Waterloo, and reported 
upon the French manoeuvres in Southern France. 

In every country he visited General Howard liad inter- 
views with the missionaries, and especially in Alexandria, 
Cairo, Smyrna, and Scutari he found them doing excellent 
work. He attended the International Convention of the 
Young Men's Christian Association in Berlin, and was 
invited to take part in a public meeting to be held at 
Manchester, England. Wherever he went he was wel- 
comed by the Christian people, who had long known 
him by reputation ; and in England particularly, where 
his efforts for the freedmen were well appreciated, he 
received marked attentions. 

On his return to the United States he resumed his 
military duties at Omaha, and again became active in 
Christian and philanthropic work. 

The newspapers have from time to time reported the 
wide scope of this work, and the following is an incident 
that will best illustrate his benevolence. It is from the 
Omaha Bee. 

*'Some time ago a soldier ■was sentenced to five years' imprison- 
ment in Fort Leavenworth for some offence. The soldier's sisters in 
New York •wrote to General Howard in behalf of the prisoner, appeal- 
ing to him to interest himself in his case, and see if something could 
not be done to lighten the sentence. General Howard had the pris- 
oner brought before him at headquarters, as he was on his way to 
Fort Leavenworth in shackles, and asked him if he had any trade. 
The prisoner said he was a stone-cutter. The general had the pris- 
oner sent 'back to Fort Omaha, after ho had questioned him still fur- 
ther, and then he wrote to Washington, and succeeded in having the 
sentence remitted, the only punishment being a dishonorable dis- 
charge from the army. Thereupon General Howard got him a job as 
a stone-cutter in this city. The man did well, and finally went back 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 207 

to New York, where ho is now, a sober and industrious man. Thig 
is only one of the many kind acts that General Howard has don& in a 
quiet way while he has been located in this city." 

Tho Eev. Dr. A. F. Slierriil, pastor of .the First Con- 
gregational Clmrcli at Omahaj estimates in the follow- 
ing letter General Howard's nsefulness as a public 
speaker upon religions subjects : 

" General Howard' s services as a public speaker during the war, 
when his wounds disabled him from field service, are well known. 
Ever since he has been in constant demand as a public lecturer, 
speaking to large audiences upon a wide range of topics, and his 
engagements, in tho midst of regular military duties, have been only 
limited by time and strength. Ever since his conversion, when a 
young man, he has heard sounding ia his ears, ' Go and tell how 
great things the Lord hath done for thee and hath had compassion 
on thee ;' and he has spoken freely and earnestly in all kinds of relig- 
ious meetings, until he has a reputation, as a lay religious speaker, 
such as few possess. He is equally at home standing in a metropoli- 
tan pulpit before a cultivated audience, or addressing a group of 
young Arabs in a mission school. He can touch the highest spirit- 
ual point in the tender moments of a church praj'er-meeting, or 
improvise a service at a post on the remote frontier, and by his 
hearty manner win the attention of every man as he tells the ' old, 
eld story.' Perhaps his power of appeal is most apparent at great 
religious mass-meetings, where his thoughts and feelings, crowding 
upon his speech, rise into eloquent and impassioned utterance. Tho 
old fire of ' war and battle-sound ' is kindled, only now he is calling 
to enthusiasm and action in the service of the King of kings. As a 
speaker he possesses that magnetic power by which, as soon as he 
rises, he comes at once into rapport with his audience and holds their 
close attention to the end. It is not easy to analyze his speaking, 
but these three or four things are easily apparent : 

" Eirst, a simple style and si)eech. He realizes, in good degree, a 
recent definition of eloquence : ' Short words, in short sentences, 
with the ideas overlapping at both ends,' Such speech suits us all. 
The writer has heard General Howard addressing college students to 
their profit, but the farmers and children present also drank it all in, 
as if intended only for them. It is the use of this great simplicity 
of speech, in ordinary address, which enables him to tell the story of 
the Cross with such effect. 



208 HOYfARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 

" Second, earnestness. This comes from his love of men and his 
thorough convictions of the truth. He has studied the Scriptures 
carefully. He has also lived out their truths. He has seen them 
succeed with thousands of others to whom he has brought them. 
He might always say, ' I speak that I do know, and testify that I 
have seen.' Hence there is no uncertain sound in his speech, and it 
carries the conviction from which it is born. He uses his personal 
religious experience a great deal, and very effectively ; not merely 
that of twenty years ago, however, but that of present daily life, of 
which he is always full, for he takes his religion everywhere and into 
all things. This makes his speech fresh and pertinent to the occa- 
sion, and gives charm and power to it. It makes him practical, and 
leads to homely turns of Scrii3ture, which one can never forget. No 
one who listens thinks him speaking for the sake of the speech, but 
out of a sincere heart to do others good. He is a very apiDreciativG 
listener, and I have often thought this helped him to speak so that 
others would listen. 

*' Third, his speech is personal. It is not so in any offensive sense. 
He is too brave and kind for that. But all the above-mentioned 
qualities make it certain each will feel the words were meant for 
him ; and so they were. ' So nghfc I, not as one that beateth the 
air.' If the audience be a familiar one, he usually has different 
individuals in mind, to whom he speaks for a purpose ; but each 
represents a class, and so all are personally addressed. His words do 
not stick in the heart like barbed arrows, but are rather welcomed aa 
* good doctrine,' which one does not care to ' forsake.' 

*' Fourth, we read of those who spoke ' as the Spirit gave them 
utterance.' "We are also told Demosthenes never ascended the bema 
without a prayer. General Howard has a consecrated heart. He 
does not desire his speech shall be with enticing words of man's 
wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit that, so far as he is con- 
cerned, others' faith should not ' stand in the wisdom of men, but in 
the power of God.' Hence he asks earnestly for this spirit, and is 
at no other time so satisfied as when he can feel he was, while speak- 
ing, filled with the Spirit, suggesting thought and imparting power to 
his words. It is this presence of the Spirit, in response to his prayer, 
which chiefly accounts for the fact that men listen so attentively 
when he speaks, find their hearts so deeply touched, and that so 
many are persuaded to come to Christ. ' It is the Spirit that 
quickeneth.' Thus a few words spoken, or a very short prayer 
offered, v;ill often go through an audience v/ith a power which is not 
of man. 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 209 

•' Wherever General Howard lives he soon becomes a kind of general 
factotum for all sorts of public religious service and supi^lj^ to which 
he brings his inspired wealth of mind, and soul, and speech ; nor is 
he less active in his more private goings about to do good. When 
we remember he is also commander of a great military department, 
an office full of responsibility and care, we know that, as to most of 
us, it all would weary, wear, and soon wipe us out ; but the general 
seems inexhaustible ; he always comes in fresh and good as new. 
His face is never long, though full of care and thought, and every 
one hopes he will live to the age of that other hero of whom it is 
said, *He was an hundred and twenty years old when he died ;.hi3 
eye was not dim nor his natural force abated.' " 



X. 



Excerpts from letters, documents, and private diary, showing Gen- 
eral Howard's inner life — The war, the Freedmen's Bureau, the 
church, and public events discussed — Anecdote of General How- 
ard's kindness of heart — Conclusion. 

There is no better way of obtaining a just conception 
of a man's character than by reading what he has written 
under the varying circumstances of every-day hfe. 
General Howard, the most methodical of men, has kept 
for many years copies of his letters and at times a diary, 
which is an epitome of his career. From the ample pages 
of his letter books have been taken the following excerpts, 
which show the man's nature and exhibit his religious 
aspect of mind at every period of life. As many of his 
letters have been written to the leading military men of 
the country, it is easy to glean from them the profes- 
sional and patriotic side of his character. These excerpts 
have been made from a rich collection, which would 
yield many times the number used here, and they have 
not been selected as the best things he has said, but as 
examples of his usual expressions of opinion, hopes, and 
desires. 

" My Bible is to me a source of comfort and strength, and I ear- 
nestly recommend it as the best companion of every human soul. On 
its substantial truths must rest all our hopes of good here and 
blessedness hereafter. ... To my mind, with the Indians the time 
is near when every dollar appropriated may be made tributary to 
the schools. It is but little to require that people shall send their 
children to school. Superstitious reluctance must bo made to do it ; 



HOWARD : THE CHIllSTIAIT HEEO. 211 

let it be the law to our wards, and let the law bo executed. . . . 
I hope Mac will cling to the Divine Wo)'d. This will make him 
strong and wise." 

To A. 8. Packard. 

" June 7, 1864. 
"... God is leading us through very difficult paths, and chasten- 
ing us very hard, but we must learn from whom the chastening comes, 
and be obedient and hopeful. I do hope and pray that this year 
may end the war. . . . Every man who sets himself to the task of 
working for humanity must begin by humbling himself in such 
measure as to meet the wants of the poorest and lowliest. If he does 
this, by the blessing of God he will be effective." 

To Bon. J. G. Blaine. 

" August 21, 1S64. 

"... As to the brigadiership in the regular army, I should re- 
gard it as a high compliment and of material value, but I am inclined 
to ask for no promotion or appointment, having already received 
more than I could ask, and beyond my deserts. In times like these 
it is dangerous to rise too high ; a single misfortune may topple you 
over into popular disfavor. I shall exert myself in my present posi- 
tion with the hope of credit to myself and friends, and trust, under 
God's blessing, to be of substantial service to my country. . . . How 
utterly absurd it is to stand tremblingly anxious lest we lose a tithe 
of liberty, when all our liberties are on the brink of ruin ! For 
mercy's sake, Blaine — for our country's sake, rather — put forth all 
your energies to sustain and strengthen the Government, and make it 
confident and fearless in the exercise of positive power — a power 
adequate to this trying ordeal, for this is the time to put it forth. 

* ' Every family will bleed, every individual will suffer ; but if v/e do 
our duty faithfully in this crisis, under the Divine blessing the end 
will be glorious. I fear and tremble as I read the newsiDapers. I 
fear that we have not virtue enough in this country to stand the 
trial. I have no objection to peace— peace is what we want ; but let 
the word ring along the lines of brave men who are giving their lives 
for victory and peace." 

" I would not stay to see the ' su7i dance,' for I feared the usual tear- 
ing of the flesh and self-torture ' to appease the Great Si)irit.' I told 
the chiefs what I thought of this wicked barbarism. They said 
that they would do what they could to keep out this bad part, but 
the ' medicine men ' hold the poor people to this 'heathenism. It is 
their hold against Christian teaching." 



212 HOWARD : THE CKIUSTIAK HERO. 

*' A drunken agent, or a man who prostitutes his official position 
to bribery, I will remove at a blow." 

" The feelings of hostility now existing between the two races I 
do not regard as permanent. The interests of both tend to decrease 
it." 

iTo a Southern Friend. 

** Three hundred thousand of our brethren lie beneath the soil they 
have wet with their blood, to keep you from breaking and destroy- 
ing the government purchased by our fathers. They have not shed 
their blood in vain. Your children will thank us. And would God 
might not give you over to hardness !" 

To Hon. Horace Oreeley. 

" September 15, 1865. 
" I notice some of the public journals are disposed to ridicule the 
idea of a Bureau of Kefugees and Freedmen. Now, while I claim 
that personally I am not benefited by this administrative branch of 
the War Department, and not called upon to stand upon the defen- 
sive, but simply to execute a law under the orders of the President 
and Secretary of War, yet for the sake of a good cause I deprecate 
having this Bureau placed before the public in a false position. . . ," 

To Rev. a F. McRae. 

" October 27, 1865. 
"... I have noticed in the colored schools all over the country, 
where there were respectable teachers, that there was uniformly good 
attendance, and a wonderful interest manifested on the part of the 
children. While this interest is awakened, as if by Divine interposi- 
tion, should we not, as Christians, put our shoulders to the wheel, 
and do all we can, by organized efforts, to open up the minds of theso 
thousands and fill them with useful knowledge ? . . . The past is 
past, but if you will notice the prevalence of untruthfulness, the 
want of observance of the marriage tie, and the ignorance of the very 
groundwork of the Christian faith, you will agree with me that there 
is enough now to do, and enough for every laborer in the vineyard." 

To James E. Rhoades. 

" October 9, 1865. 

". . . Education underlies every hope of success for the freed- 

man. This education must, of course, extend rather to the practical 

arts than to theoretical knowledge. Everything depends upon the 

youth and the children being thoroughly instructed in every indus- 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 213 

trial pursuit. Tlirongh education embracing moral and religious 
training, the fearful prejudice and hostility against the blacks can bo 
overcome. They themselves will be able to command and secure 
both privileges and rights that we now have difficulty to guarantee. 
... Do everything you possibly can for the elevation of the freed- 
men. My impression is, that hundreds and perhaps thousands of 
Southern people would be ready to aid you, if approached in the 
right way. . . What are the people willing to do to secure the 
blessings almost within our grasp — the blessings of substantial free- 
dom and enduring peace? "S^Tiether so or not in a political point 
of view, I believe every thinking man is ready to admit that we will 
stand or fall as a nation according as we are true to princij^les, 
according to our fidelity to trusts evidently committed to us. ..." 

"December 23, 1865. 

" Order exists all over the world without the necessity of slavery. 
Wealth ditto. Physical condition ditto. Eesources better developed 
where freedom has existed for any length of time. 

* ' Slavery is a disease or abnormal condition, which always pros- 
trates the victim, whatever the color, and he cannot always recover, 
and the seeds of the disease are transmitted, so that the children 
are often materially affected by it. 

" The evil was making merchandise of a child of God ; restrain- 
ing or preventing education ; keeping by force men below a certain 
plane, and not- allowing them the fruit of their own labor ; raising 
children without respecting the family relation ; keeping out indus- 
trious white emigrants — every enterprise slow in development, 
whether it affected manufactures or commerce, the arts or literature. 
In fact, a careful study of political economy will show the downhill 
tendency of every slavery system. You point to the chaos at Au- 
gusta, Ga, ; I point you to the order already existing in Maryland, 
parts of Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and wherever a fair free 
system has actually gone into operation. You say the negro differs 
from other people. I admit it, yet know that he is a man, and may 
be led and influenced by motives as a man." 

To Rev. C. Van Santvoord. 

" January 3, 1866. 
*' Your letter has come to me inquiring as to the character of Gen- 
eral McPherson, with regard to his religious life. While at West 
Point he was one class ahead of me, having entered in 1849, He was 
constantly at the head of his own class, and was therefore particu- 



314 nowAED : the cheistiai^ hero. 

larly noticed by every cadet. Ho was remarkable for kindness of 
manner and the sympathy he extended to any who were ill-used. 
I remember a classmate of his, who is now living, and of excel- 
lent character, who was ' cut,' as they say at the academy, for some 
breach of etiquette. McPherson braved the general derision, and 
was always kind and courteous to him. Toward another cadet, with 
like circumstances, I remember that his frank cordiality and sym- 
pathy were marked. His daily life was full of patriotic, cheerful, 
Christian example. While there, I never knew a word of profanity 
to escape his lips. I have seen him in Professor Sprole's Bible- 
class, and always saw him in this character on the Sabbath. Again 
and again I have thought of his beautiful, Christian deportment, and 
wondered if he were not really a follower of Christ. After leaving 
West Point I had no means of knowing his Christian example, but 
found him, after the lapse of some years, the same gonial gentleman 
and kind friend as at the academy." 



To H. B. Cadbury, Birmingham, JEng. 

" March 26, 1866. 
"... Yon ask what security you will have that after the freed 
people have taken possession, cleared the land, built huts, and set- 
tled their families on it, they will not be disturbed. There can be 
no security against lawlessness, but my belief is that interest will 
soon arouse every owner of any considerable amount of property to 
throw his influence in favor of law and order. No people are as ob- 
noxious to the Southerners that have been in rebellion as the Union 
Yankees, yet these very men have settled in large numbers in differ- 
ent parts of the South, and propose to remain. My impression ig 
that whatever policy the Government may adopt, the prejudices and 
exhibitions of passion will in time wear away. There are some few 
counties in the insurrectionary States v/here there is a large crop of 
rowdies. In these it would be unwise and unsafe to settle at pres- 
ent. As a general rule, capital carries with it its own security. I 
am anxious to have just such correctives as those you advocate mul- 
tiplied. I hope there will be plenty of straightforward, fearless 
men, who will purchase or aid in the purchasing of estates in every 
part of the South. With such men, or the means they invest, will go 
industry, thrift, education, and civilization. We are in a political 
crisis, and my heart is often filled with anxiety lest we may dis- 
please God by promoting or establishing some system of injustice ; 
but I trust He will aid us in the exercise of that noble principle 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 215 

which Mr. Lincoln so simply and plainly gave ns — that is, ' Firmness 
in the right, 'as God gives us to see the right.' ..." 

" It is customary to underrate any man's ability who tries to serve 
his God, and to impute to him special weakness ; but I wish you 
could take my administration of the brigade, division, army corps, 
and Army of the Tennessee, and then of this ' misrex^resented 
Bureau,' and give to them a thorough examination from 1861 to 
October, 1868, and then tell me if I have not understood men, and 
accomplished the jjurposes intended. I write you this partly be- 
cause 1 have thought you have been deceived, and because by and by 
I want your sympathy in a great educational enterprise. I asked 
the question, ' Would you not like to be a slave, if you could only 
be sure to have enough to eat, to drink, and to wear ? ' The answer 
is everywhere substantially the same — ' I would rather be i30or and 
free ; I would rather suffer and be free.' 

" Doubtless there could be found among the degraded and among 
the criminals those who would prefer to be pampered slaves to being 
freemen ; but as far as my observation goes, the universal informa- 
tion is, ' My choice is liberty ; ' and doubtless the expression of this 
choice, is the voice of God. Were it not for the color of the skin, 
which is like a thick veil hanging between so many of us and God's 
truth, how deep and how universal would bo the sympathy of Chris- 
tian people for these poor dependent objects of humanity, who are 
just struggling into the sunlight of liberty ! Let every Christian 
heart offer up a prayer for them, and, to the best of his ability, 
extend them a helping hand. . . ." 

To General Brown. 

" February 20, 1867. 
'* My freedmen's and refugees' fund will all be available for ' in- 
corporated institutions.' Industrial is a better word than manual, I 
think, for it embodies hands, feet, brains, and souls. I have great 
contempt for Virginia prejudice ; it means Virginia sin." 

" It is undoubtedly difficult for gentlemen in the Southern States 
to determine the measure of their responsibility in this work of edu- 
cation. Yet it is important that this work, which has been so well 
initiated, should not cease, should not even flag — important for all the 
interests of the country, important in the interests of humanity, im- 
portant in the light of a practical solution of the great problem of 
liberty for the world. Ideas drilled into us from infancy and prej- 
udices drunk in in childhood cannot easily be changed ; but God 



216 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

is just ; and if "we earnestly and prayerfully wait on Him, He will not 
let us go far astray. I should not have predicted that you would 
have turned against the Union, and hope you may yet be a true and 
earnest friend of the Government that we once loved alike, which 
nurtured and educated us together. ..." 

* ' I hope we may all see to it that we have the same brightness of 
vision at the last when we seUforth upon the journey to meet the 
Lord, and our loved ones who have gone to rest in His domain, 
where the prepared mansions are." 

To Oeneral Orant. 
" As yon have always been kind to me, even when the waves of 
trial rolled in upon me, so have I ever been at heart appreciative and 
grateful to you. I know that you are too strong to need or ask sym- 
pathy, but you know also in your rugged career how the dark hours 
are the best test of real friends. ..." 

To A. E. E. Taylor. 

" January 12, 1866. 

" . . . I am exceedingly obliged to you for your defence of me, but 
I have been subjected to too many vexatious troubles during the 
war to care much for such articles as that in the Independent I have 
nothing in particular to suggest, only if you can help us along with 
our work here in the Bureau, I shall be glad to have you." 

" I have often spoken to children and urged them to the adoption 
of right principles, no less than the love of Christ ; but I have uni- 
versally entertained and spread the belief that love is shown in the 
cheerful and faithful performance of daily duty." 

" June 6, 1867. 
' ' Nothing would have given me greater pleasure than to have at- 
tended your convention and participated in the enjoyments of the 
occasion, and if any further inducement had been needed, you have 
offered it in holding out the prospect of my meeting Sir Henry Have- 
lock. I read the life of his father with great interest and profit sev- 
eral years ago, and I trust I may ever imitate him in a straightfor- 
ward Christian life. Almost all strangers who have seen my name 
associated with his are much disappointed on meeting with me, ex- 
pecting to see a man of large size and advanced in years." 

To 3Ir. E. Grehle. 

"October 4, 1867. 
* * . . . You knov/ that I have undertaken to build a church that 
shall be a home for loyalty and truth, a place for our young men who 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HEKO. 217 

come hero to find a welcome. This building will hold a people that 
we needed here, to quicken the good and war upon the bad — a people 
who have a great work to do. We have got our roof on, but are now 
sorely pressed for help. I will enclose you a copy of what my 
Brooklj'-n friends did, and if you could aid us a little in this, my 
heart will ever be filled with gratitude. This church presses heavy 
upon me. ..." 

To Hon. Henry Wilson. 

" October 12, 1866. 

" I saw a paragraph in the morning paper which said that you had 
publicly united with the church of Kev. Dr. Kirk, of Boston. It 
gave me a great deal of pleasure to read this item of good news, and 
I wish to hasten and extend to you a warm fraternal greeting. I 
trust God may make you an ornament to the church of Christ, and 
bless our country still further by an earnest, faithful Christian 
statesman. He is blessing us politically, and I trust is conducting 
you through green pastures of His love." 

" Looking to the future, our Western States, like Iowa and Ne- 
braska, have made ample provisions for their public schools ; noth- 
ing is placed ahead of the education of their sons and daughters. 
This is indeed wise ; only one thing should ever be regarded as of 
more importance than the training of the intellect of the j^outh, and 
that is the religious and moral foundations which we leave to the 
home and to the Church. Now, if we who believe in God and the 
Bible, in the lifting up of the weak, be it ever so little, in opposition 
to the atheistic theory of favoring only the stronger races — if we who 
regard the precept to love our neighbors as ourselves would save a 
remnant of the native race of this continent, we must see, on a 
moment's reflection, that our principal hope — nay, in fact, our only 
hope, lies in their complete conversion from savage to civilized 
methods of doing and living. Carlisle, Hampton, Forest Grove, 
Metla Katlah, Coeur d'Alene, and other successful schools show what 
can be done. Take the children, change their minds and hearts by 
our true, powerful school processes." 

" I deprecate anything calculated to excite hostility, and ask only 
simple justice for the freedmen, whom I am under solemn obliga- 
tions to protect. Schools had better be established on some broader 
basis than for blacks and v/hites alone. The matter of schooling for 
children on the plantations may be embraced in the contract which I 
hope every employer will make with his employes for some time to 
come. When left to me, the indenture of children is regulated as in 



218 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

most of the free States — that is, with consent of either parent or 
guardian, the officers and agents of this Bureau, or those of their ap- 
pointment, being their guardians until otherwise established by law.' ' 

"... War is devastation. As General Sherman says, it is cruelty, 
and you cannot easily refine it." 

**...! love the name of Abraham Lincoln, and pray God I may 
be able to live his pure, simple, honest, noble life, and contribute 
something toward securing the liberty and charity he worked and 
died for." 

To Y. E. Tate. 

" April 9, 18G7. 

**...! differ from yon in regard to the ballot. Poor men will 
Boon learn that it is their protection, and they will use it accord- 
ingly. They may get fooled a few times, but not perpetually. Black 
men have just about as much sense as white men of the same educa- 
tion and advantages. ..." 

Regarding a War Ifonument to he erected at West Foint. 

" The worthy object commends itself to my judgment and heart, 
and I am glad the officers at the academy are so disposed to honor 
the noble men, their brother officers, who have given their lives in 
this, our terrific struggle for national existence. The academy and 
the regular army have had their usual share of abuse and misrepre- 
sentation during the war, but when we proudly point to the conduct 
their loyal sons have exhibited — when we count over the noble records 
of the killed in battle on every bloody field, every tongue is hushed. 
The battle monument shall bear witness to the love we bear the 
national army, the national flag, the national whole. . . . 

" I am gratified that a kind Providence gave me the benefit of the 
training I received under yourself and the other jDrofessors and in- 
structors of the academy, and I trust I may ever be enabled to reflect 
only what in faithfulness you ever strove to impart— strict integrity, 
good sense, and rational sentiments." 

To Jay Cooke & Co. 

"January 21, 18G8. 

"... I can establish the soup-house at Memphis, and defray the 
expense of it from the Bureau funds. The officers are instructed 
everywhere to allow no starvation." 

To an Officer. 
" I shall have to live unending ages with human souls in some rela- 
tionships or other, so that I shall be careful not to let temporary 



HOWAKD : THE CHKISTIAISr HERO. 219 

impatience control me. A kind Providence vill bring things 
right. ..." 

To Hon. W. E. Dodge. 

*' February 3, 1868. 
"... Yonr letter is just received. I have never, in all my inter- 
course with General Grant, seen him so affected by drink as to be 
noticeable from its influence ; and I have been recentlj'' assured by 
his own lips that he is not drinking, and has declared he shall not, ' 
during the year upon which we have entered, take even wine, and 
the probability is never for life. You are at liberty to use this state- 
ment privately if you desire." 

To Rev. J. W. Chicker'mg. 
"... Strong drink is a cruel enemy, and I trust you will meet him 
with promptitude, in force, and with persistence. ..." 

To Rev. George Vr^ilpple. 

"February 12, 1868. 

"... I never threatened to leave the church, but have expressed 
myself willing to leave it, in the event of our brethren unanimously 
sustaining Dr. Boynton's celebrated sermon, and provided they 
should relieve me from all pecuniary obligations. . , . 

" As to amalgamation being a doctrine of the Congregational 
Church, I have simply to say I do not think the Church is called 
upon to pronounce upon the subject. The pastor may have some 
trouble, but it strikes me that it would be well for him to wait for a 
case to arise, rather than call up an imaginary one. So far as tho 
Church is concerned, I have simply planted myself upon the ground, 
' Love thy neighbor as thyself.' I do not wish to see our church a 
German church, a French church, an Anglo-Saxon church, nor an 
African church, but simply a church of Christ, with its door wide 
open ; and I do not care an iota whether the brethren and sisters be- 
lieve in amalgamation or not, I consider this subject entirely foreign 
to our controversy, and only put into it with the hope of exciting 
prejudice against me and my friends by the use of a word, in pre- 
cisely the same way that prejudice used to be excited against anti- 
Biavery by the use of the word 'abolitionist' , . ." 

To Dr. H. Barker. 

" February 12, 1868. 
'■' Mt deae Sir : The story has gone from your lips, with the addi- 
tion that others are likely to add to stories, that I am an amalgama- 



220 HOWAED : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

tionist. Now a letter comes saying that I threaten to leave the 
church with my friends unless the church indorse my doctrine. 
Now please answer me a question or two, 

" 1. What do you mean by amalgamation ? 

*' 2. What is your object in circulating this story ? 

" I never threatened to leave the church. I was willing to do so 
if I could be relieved from all obligations, and so expressed myself, 
bitter as the disappointment would be to me. I don't care one fig 
whether people believe in amalgamation or not. In fact, I don't 
Imow what you mean by it, ..." 

To Mr. A. H. Love. 

" March 31, 1870. 
" I agree with you who stylo yourself ' radical jieace men ' more 
nearly than you think. I would labor as earnestly and industriously 
as any one to secure to my country peace. And really how well the 
officers and soldiers performed their part during the war ! It was 
dreadful ; it was more terrible than you can depict, and yet I believe 
sent upon us as really by divine direction as was any one of the 
battles under Joshua. I have never, since I loved Christ, hated an 
enemy ; no more do I hate a man who is to suffer death according to 
law ; but protection to our country needs an army now, as your city 
needs the police. I will work with you for peace, for education, for 
the principle and practice of love, and am not particular about tho 
title of the general ; yet if Philadelphia should be beleaguered by 
the British, and your families in great distress, and the permanent 
peace and welfare of the whole country endangered, I should obey 
General Grant's order to move with all the force I could muster to 
your relief, and should avoid a battle, if possible ; but if not, I 
should feel it my duty not to wear the sword in vain. Our Lord 
commended the Eoman soldier. It was not paradoxical for Him to 
say, ' He had not seen such faith ; no, not in Israel.' Let us have 
peace, but let us be true to our present duty, while we hope, labor, 
and pray that our duties may be changed by the general diffusion of 
the principles of peace. Yon would not advise drinking to the army 
in order to weaken it and render our nation ignoble in the eyes of 
other nations. Temperance and righteousness Apply to us in the 
army and navy, as individuals, as they do to you and your friends. 
Human life is protected by the divine law, yet it does not mean that 
the criminal shall go unpunished, God takes human life for 
offences, and Ho has specially directed His children (in Moses' law) 
to do the same ; not in revenge, not in hate, but for the purpose of 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTlAjq- HERO. 221 

preserving life and rendering it sacred. I do daily pray for my ene- 
mies, and endeavor to entertain for them a forgiving spirit. Tlio 
men I fought were, many of them, my intimate personal friends. I 
never hated them ; I grieved that they raised their hands to destroy 
their government." 

To Colonel D. L. Eaton. 

"... Yonr question of this morning perplexes me. I am glad yon 
asked me, however, for if I am wrong in theory or method I ought 
at once to change. Yon say, * General, do yon think the bringing of 
people in that way does much good ? ' You further say, ' I think the 
proper way is by rejection.' By ' that way ' you mean some way that 
is not by reflection, probably by impulse, or impulse induced by ex- 
citement. My theory is that no man is Christ's till his purpose ia 
fixed. Now, in nine cases out of ten an impulse induced by want, 
by suffering, by an exhibition of joy or sorrow begets in me a reso- 
lution, and I act upon it. A pure intellectual decision would lead 
me to do differently ; yet afterward my mind indorses the impulse 
and the resolution. If you should trust altogether to people's cool 
reflection, the Unitarian would remain so ; those who never go to 
church would not be helped — the seed would not be sown beside all 
waters. If you say that excitement is not religion, I agree ; but if 
you think that religion can alwaj's be without excitement, I cannot 
think so. Even you throw your hat high at times. Our Y. M. C. A. 
meetings have the advantage, like the Bible Society, of meeting the 
strong ones of the different churches. We know that we cannot 
regenerate souls nor bring a Lazarus to life, but we can roil away 
the stone from many a heart. Perhaps it ia pride, perhaps v/orldli- 
ness, vanity, false teaching, ignorance ; perhaps it is robbing Christ 
by supposing that man can do all ; or perhaps the stone is apathy, 
an aggregation of the accretion of years of sinning. A word, a sen- 
tence, a song, a smile, may be the leverage ; but when the stone is 
away the cave of the heart is open, and the Lord's voice is heard and 
heeded. Wo never rely upon feeling, but upon purpose, and the 
test of a man's purpose is his life. Yet one never finds his Saviour 
and purposes to be His forever without sacred joy and indescribablo 
peace. ..." 

'' It is dangerous to feed people without their rendering any labor 
in return." 

" When we can once get a good, thorough system of common 
schools in practical operation, self-supporting, with a perennial sup- 
ply of good teachers throughout the slave States, the material pros- 
perity of those States will be secured beyond perad venture." 



222 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 

" The school system, when once established, must bo nourished by 
the masses of the people, and they must and will have, as soon as 
the schools are in practical operation, the power and the means to 
keep them alive." 

To Mr. Frederick Douglass. 

" July 10, 1870. 
" My dear Sir : I read a part of your reply to the Philadelphia 
resolutions, copied into the Independent of July, Much that you 
there say accords with my judgment and sympathy, but I feel that 
you speak more strongly and sweepingly than you meant — ' The 
church and street are about the same in point of authority and in 
point of excellence. Both are now on the side of popular wrong, 
and both are against unpopular right.' Such have not been the 
teachings of the branches of the Church that I have attended from 
my youth. That individual ministers have led astray, that people 
have blindly followed them into the practice and defence of crime, I 
admit ; but this has not been tlie general rule. I learned in tho 
Church to love God. I learned to reverence the authority of His 
law. I found in the Church a Saviour, and my heart has been by 
His word and grace enlarged in its capacity to love my fellow-men, 
and I firmly believe that it is the operation of the teachings of tho 
New England churches that made so many strong Abolitionists there. 
The great majority of ministers I have heard in Maine have been out- 
spoken against slaverj', against wrong of every kind ; and my view 
has been that the v/rong-doing of men and women in the Church hag 
been, not in consequence of, but in spite of tho instruction they 
receive. ' Love thy neighbor ' is the teaching. Act up to it, and 
slavery of every description falls. Now as to the abolition ; you do 
not attribute it to a miracle, not due to any special interposition of 
Divine Providence, but as resulting from the certain operation of 
natural causes inherent in the very constitution of human nature. 
"Were this so we should be just as thankful to the Author of human 
nature — the Lord God, who so wonderfully arranged all things. But 
I think some of us who bore the brunt of the battle realized a daily 
aid, specially given as to a beseeching child. I cannot look upon 
Mr. Lincoln without regarding him as a special Providence, as much 
as was David. . . . Natural indeed, because God is in everything 
and guiding everything, and hindering even the independent will of 
Satan and his friends. We do not read that God is the Author of 
wrong — He can abolish wrong. This is the everlasting work of 
Christ, by His Spirit working in us and with us. He is not tho 
Author of sin, such as slavery, drunkenness, lying, stealing, murder. 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN" HERO. 223 

hate, etc. Yon are a leader, have long been, and may God keep you 
in the forefront ; but do not let the sins of church members obscure 
your clear vision and hide the torches of truth that Christ and His 
followers have lifted up," 

To Editor Evening Bulletin. 

" July 16, 1870. 

"... My quarrel with Eev. Dr, Boynton was rather a controversy 
in behalf of my charge, the freedmen and theij children. 1 had to 
carr}^ the fight for them into the Church, the Sunday-school, the 
courts, and the legislative halls. Martin Luther contended for prin- 
ciple, and hate arose even against him, and did its best. Attack a 
popular wrong and defeat its advocate, make your own side popular, 
and you are never forgiven by the defeated. . . . 

" Circumstances have occurred to teach and subdue my vanity, 
and teach me new lessons of humility, and I think I am profiting by 
them. Oh, that my guiding principle might be the honor of Christ ! 
I am so prone to forget it, and enter so heartily into things that are 
selfish and earthly, that I lower my spirit thankfully when God sees 
fit to rebuke and chastise me. ..." 



EXTRACTS FROM DIARY. 

" Washington, D. C. 

"January 1, 1871. — . . . Kead two Psalms and prayed for each 
member present and absent ; also for Generals G. and S. and fami- 
lies, E. and family, Secretary of War and family (he has just lost 
his beautiful wife) ; also for the Church, the Y. M. C. A., and for 
the university ; for Brother K. and for Mrs. G. and children, little 
J, G. L., and the two poor men afflicted with drink ; also for God's 
living presence in me to help me to a purer and higher life. Cousin 
J. Roddy Hazard stopped over Sunday with us ; breakfast and hapi^y 
morning prayer. All the family, including Irving (serving man) and 
the girls, present. ... At church again to-night. Cousin Roddy 
and L. joined me in pew Gl. Mr. R. kept our minds steadily on the 
text, * Behold I stand at the door and knock, ' etc. I did long to 
open the door wider and let Him, our blessed Saviour, in. We rode 

in the beautiful moonlight to the Stables, being without a driver, 

then walked home. Thus begins the year — a busy day. I told one 
incident, I think chiefly in self-praise, which will do no good, and 
may do harm. I want to guard against this besetting sin. ..." 

''January 2, 1871. — . . . Mr. Lewis and his son-in-law. Captain 
Hall, our neighbors, called ; the latter has met with a terrible acci- 



224 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAIS" HERO. 

dent since I saw him, losing his left hand and his left eye. The 
artificial eye looks just like the other, and moves the same as a real 
one. Art is wonderful, but it is only the natural eye that can see. 
He seemed very serious when I told him I must be the most wicked, 
as God had to take the right arm from me. He said a colored ser- 
vant told him he must be a very wicked man that God had to pun- 
ish him so severely. . , Our prayer -meeting very small compared 
with the size of our church-membership, yet the object was thought- 
fully and humbly considered — viz., a review of the past year, an hum- 
bling of ourselves before God in view of the worldliness of Christ's 
Church. I tried to recall my own record. Oh, how barren ! Asked 
for prayers for a better, more consecrated future ; also for my friend, 
■who has been so long halting at the doorway of Christ's Church. We 
tried to covenant together so as to be in mood to point sinners to 
Christ — this prayer-week at least — each one endeavoring to get a 
clean heart, O God our Father, do not let us, in our weakness, stand 
in the way of sinners coming !" 

"January 3, 1871. — . . . Our morning reading embraced the pas- 
sage, ' The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.' 
I told the children of it. The little ones seem interested. . . . Busy 
morning at the ofl&ce. I inspected two divisions— Mr. Drew's and 
General Ballock's— with a view of reduction of force. It is hard to 
discharge these really good young men, who have been with me so 
long and done well. I saw the appointment clerk of the Treasury, 
with a view of getting some of them positions to-day. . . . We had 
a good prayer-meeting for rulers, nations, soldiers, etc. I spoke for 
General Grant and the Secretary of War in his bereavement, and 
tried to pray. We had a crowded prayer-room and a large and pleas- 
ant sociable afterward. I hope a special blessing will follow this 
work of prayer. Gracie and Jamie went with me to-night. " 

^'January 4, 1871. — ... I tried at the meeting that night to point 
out briefly the difficulties of parents and teachers, and the ways I had 
been able to interest children in reading the Scriptures with them. 
. . . Mr. Rankin encouraged us to labor on, though imperfect ; I 
had said that I must be holier and better that, in exercise of authority, 
I might not drive away our children from the blessed Saviour. . . ." 

*' January 5, 1871. — . . . Having received a mother's earnest 
request for prayer for her son — twenty-five years — for immediate con- 
version, I went to the court-room and thence to the Y. M. C. A, — daily 
prayer as yesterday. I spoke a few words about not recognizing and 
not using God's Spirit when He did give it, and tried to pray, One 
interesting story of the immediate answer to the request of a brother 



HOWARD ; THE CHRISTIAIf HERO. 225 

to a praying assembly in the conversion of his brother drew general 
attention. ... I am reading the life of the Claytons, by Eev. Mr. 
Aveling, of England. I think the book is helping me, as good mem- 
oirs of true Christian men generally do, by suggestions and recorded 
example. " 

"January 8, 1871. — . . . My S. S. class seemed quite impressed 
with the lesson. Miss B. thought it not possible that any one could 
be lost. I had a conversation with her after the lesson, entreating 
her not to let that trouble her now. First come into the kingdom in 
the appointed way, and then these things become clear. She thinks 
many form a wrong idea of God's character by this idea being pre- 
sented. I said I did not doubt it, for all who are alienated from Him 
form a wrong idea of His character. ... At a temperance meeting 
Mr. Buckingham (Senator from Connecticut) made a warm-hearted. 
Christian speech, I followed him, by special request, urging tem- 
perance as one of the stones that we must roll away before the 
Saviour would speak life to many souls. ... I began the day with 
a headache ; have been busy all day, and now am quite well. Some 
seed has been sown. May the Lord water and nourish it, and in His 
own time give the increase !" 

"January 9, 1871.— . . . After prayers at the chapel, which I con- 
ducted, I remarked upon the passage in our reading — ' For the 
preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness,' showing 
why it was so. They — sinners who have not been with the king- 
dom at all — undertake to judge of it. Thej' undertake to pro- 
nounce on that of which they necessarily have no knowledge what- 
ever. ..." 

"January 10, 1871. — . . . After a long business day we had an- 
other good prayer-meeting at our church to-night. One member of 
my S. S. class arose for prayer, and two others. I had a pleasant 
conversation with Mr. J., who has just found the Saviour." 

'^January 12, 1871. — I began to urge upon him (General Grant, at 
an interview at the White House) the thought that he might have 
kept Senator Sumner from opposition [to himself] if he had exercised 
his accustomed wisdom and knowledge of human character. He 
smiled, and finished my idea before the sentence was complete, and 
then told us simply how Mr. Sumner had disappointed him. Mr. 
Douglass, who was present, presented some thoughts about the un- 
fulfilled mission of the Eepublican party, and how necessary it still 
is to continue it. General Grant said, earnestly, * Yes, it is so, who- 
ever may lead.' I plead, as usual, for education, presenting the idea 
of a full-fledged department, with a seat in the Cabinet." 



226 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

To E. S. Tohey, Esq. 

'' June 27, 1871. 

*' . . . The despatches in the Boston Advertiser are contrived with 
a show of truth, so as to give an utterly wrong impression. For ex- 
ample, the one on Eev. George Whipple's testimony, and the one 
that speaks of ' a whitewashing report.'' 

" 1 cannot give my statement nor my defence until the committee 
reports. Nov/ I wish you would see the editor, Mr. Stanwood, and 
tell him that of late his correspondent has joined my enemies. He 
has associated himself with one who has i^ursued me in the public 
press in a way that I can never understand. 

" For three years, in at least five papers, in telegrams, he [the 
latter] has betrayed the most invidious, covert (now and then out- 
cropping) malignity. In his regular correspondence he laid the founda- 
tion for, and really brought on, the investigation, under charges of 
conduct that belongs only to guilty and depraved men. This man 
has doubtless deceived and misled my former friend, the Advertiser' s 
correspondent. I have tried hard, my Heavenly Father knows, to do 
my duty, and nothing can be gained by Kepublican newspapers mis- 
representing me. ..." 

To Members of his Staff, for " Decoration Day." 

" I shall be glad to have the entire staff, in complete ' full uniform,' 
accompany me on that memorial occasion. The deeds of our hon- 
ored comrades who have gone before us into rest ought never to be 
forgotten." 

To a Friend of his Youth. 

" May 31, 1883. 

"... Don't get vexed at me, P., for I have never ceased to love 
you, and want you to be supremely happy, to possess beyond ques- 
tion the everlasting life. I cannot cease to jsray for it. To come at 
it without the experience of the bruised soul is better — yes, is best. 
Twenty-seven came, with full hearts, into our church (covenant) last 
Sunday, among them my seventh child. She must follow her brother 
Harry. Of course I am more than glad. Disciple is learner. Within 
the children learn better than without. One needs not crime to make 
him an honest man. One needs not often break God's law to learn 
to love Him. " 

" Our w^orn-out bodies often shut us off from the sympathy and 
praise which, as men, we feel that we merit ; but God looketh upon 
the heart, and His rewards are above human feelings and honors. 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAK HERO. 2^7 

* Who trusts ia God's 
Unchanging love, 
Builds on a rock 
Tbat naught can move.' " 

" . . . I am but a poor, weak, sinful man. I know that. Yet God 
is good, and He hears and answers my prayers. So bless the Lord, 
oh, my soul, and all that is within me, bless flis holy name. ..." 

To Colonel . 

" July 31, 1883. 
"... I write to ask if all those liquor-sellers who are getting the 
soldiers into trouble have a proper license. I do not believe they 
have. Can you not have the matter inquired into ? And can you 
not in some way legally take the offensive ?" 

To Colonel T . 

"August 20, 1883. 
"... I see the death announced of Judge Jerry Black. He is a 
great loss to the country. His trust in God was very clearly set 
forth in his last moments, and his prayer touchingly simple and con- 
fident." 

To General 31 . 

" August 9, 1883. 
" , . . So another, our friend, has gone home. Let us meet him 
there, where there is no sorrow. It will be more satisfying than the 
acquirements of science, will it not? We there may yet roam to- 
gether around brighter steppes and more charmed circles than those 
we traversed together under the leadership of Dante ! , , ," 

To the Daughter of his deceased Friend. 

"■ January 9, 1883. 
*' . . . I hope you are not worn out by your prolonged work. I do 
wish you and your good mamma would come and stay forever with 
us. I don't think I am fair to you or your good papa, now in 
heaven, not to care just as much for his child as I do for my own. 
Surely I would not do less. Don't you wish I were rich ? . . ." 

To Mrs. C . 

" January 2, 1883. 
"... There need never be despair in America in the matter of 
compensated labor. With sorrow for the temporary cloud over them, 
I am hopeful for a better future. ..." 



228 HOWARD : THE CHEISTIAl?^ HEllO. 

To his Mother. 

** . . . I did pray to tlie Lord to relieve me in His own way from 
this [obligation]. I made many efforts, but all seemed futile, 
[Shortly after, through a friend, the obligation was discharged.] 
. . . You must join me in thanking the Lord, who put it into the 
heart of one of His servants to give me this great gift." 

To his Daughter. 

" January 15. 

** We received a good letter from James, and now, last night, an- 
other from you — yours to Harry. You say, * Ask papa to say what 
would be his answer to a man who believed in God, yet said the 
Bible is no more inspired than other books — what proofs are there of 
inspiration ? ' 

** 1. By history found within and without the Bible. What we 
call the Scriptures of the Old Testament have always been received 
and treated as the inspired Word, coming to Christ's time through a 
regular, undisputed succession of upright men. 

" 2. The prophetic parts of all Moses' writings and of other books 
"whose fulfilment should have taken place, has taken place in the 
spirit and in the letter of the record. 

" 3. The New Testament, which shows the fulfilment of all the old 
types and symbols which refer to Christ and to the Church, is a beau- 
tiful counterpart and complement to the Old Testament. Our Saviour, 
who is at the least admitted to have been a good man, always quoted 
from the Scriptures, and showed their fulfilment in His mission and 
work. 

*' John the Baptist and all the apostles who wrote did the same 
thing. 

" ' Holy men of old wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.' 

*' 4. The Scriptures everywhere claim to be the inspired Word of 
God, not in the sense of God using the English words, but in the 
sense of good and true and chosen men putting the truth of God 
into such shape that they may, if they wish, find it out and drink it in. 

" 5. It, the Bible, can be tested like a shut-up garden. One can 
go in and see ; like a fountain of pure water, one can go to it and 
drink ; like a distant land, one can visit it, or talk with those who 
have been there. In the experience of true men the Scriptures prove 
themselves— prove that they have in them eternal life. This must 
show inspiration. You cannot go to any ordinary poet for the way 
of life. 

■" 6. Where any real discrepanpi^a occur (I think there are very few) 



HOWARD : THE christia:^- hero. 229 

they are, of course, human errors. Sacred poems, like that of Job, 
do not need to be called historic. Symbolic language need not be 
worked into tales and laughed at. The Bible is like a palace of 
wealth ; it has in it a vast number and variety of things. But oh, 
what joy, what comfort, what love, what hope, what heaven, come out 
of it ! Its (God's) promises are absolutely sure. ..." 

To his Brother. 

" November 7, 1883. 

"... Nothing could be pleasanter to me than to meet, as you sug- 
gest, in the old place or places. Every spot is crowded with associa- 
tions not to be forgotten. The contrasts are painful. . . . 

" The old farm and buildings running down —not even the trees 
that father planted for ^Dosterity cared for. He said, as he leaned on 
his hoe, ' Otis, I don't expect to see fruit on these trees. I plant 
them for those that come after me.' How I would have cherished 
those trees ! . . . But you cannot say too much of the wonderful 
landscape. Strange that you had to travel so much to understand 
this ! But who can look at any mountain, lake, or meadow with- 
out the eye of association and make anything of it ? I have never 
quite settled the matter of my burial-place, but have always felt that 
Maine— Leeds — would be the place. Of course, the mere tabernacle 
is not of much account, but still it is our habit to treat it with 
respect after the spirit has departed. I would not waste the money 
needed for the living in making superb monuments, but I would 
have a plain, durable headstone, good grounds well kept, and never 
surrounding them a tumble-down fence. ..." 

To . 

" December 7, 1883, 

*' . . . As I believe that God loves a truly brave man, I plenid not 
for the teaching of business, business ! money, money ! and nothing 
else, but for instruction in the principles of honor. I love men who 
count it a pleasure to die, if need be, for the right. And men can 
only stand to their own and not other people's convictions. It v/ill 
lift up the standard of character to the youth of our land for Mr. 
Coffin to show them such men, as thej^ were, as Lincoln and Douglas, 
Scott and McClellan, Lee and Jackson, Chase and Jeff Davis, Grant, 
Sherman, Sheridan, Foote, Farragut and George H. Thomas, and 
a host of others who have left or are soon to leave the stage of action. 

" Let them know the men of history and follow the best, fearing 
nothing but to do wrong. " 



230 IIOWAKD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

To a Comrade. 

"... I hope that my name may be pleasantly remembered as you 
call over the roster of living friends. Our country is still one — a free 
nation — increasing in prosperity. There are ills which we would 
cure, mists which we would dispel ; but when we look back to the 
old days before the war a ad contrast them with the present, we can 
only rejoice and thank God. Heaven grant that the generations to 
come may have the virtue and the courage to maintain them ! . . ," 

" It is a good motto, ' Let no day pass without making somebody 
happier and better.' " 

To Miss D . 

" November 30, 1883. 
" . . . I am very grateful for your kind letter. It touched my heart, 
because it is the voice of a child appreciating her father. 

" I was thankful for the picture of the house [the superintendent's]. 
West Point became irksome to me this last time for various reasons, 
yet I hope I left some good results." 

" December 8. 

* ' Deae Colonel : Since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound 
of cure, may I ask you quietly to look into the subject of gambling 
among the junior oincers at your post. The reputation for gambling 
has gone out pretty widel}^ which you and I are the last to find out. 
Gamblers proverbially have no principle. Gambling has been lead- 
ing to the many duplications of pay accounts. It is a frightful vice, 
prohibited by human and divine law. 

*' The young officers cannot afford to be found in the company of 
gamblers, nor to spend their nights in such utterly demoralizing oc- 
cupation. 

" I do not want an investigation, because my information comes 
from careless conversations of officers who did not really intend to 
apprise me of the shameful practice ; but I feel it due to you, dear 
Colonel, to know of the notoriety." 

" December 30, 1884. 

" Dear Genebal Sherman : I write you near the close of this year 
to give expression to my feelings of respect and affection. 

" I have, as you know, great confidence in the Christian method of 
obtaining favors and blessings of the Great Giver— that is, to ask 
humbly and sincerely in the name of the Master. I endeavor always 
to do this for you. So Avhen I wish you a bright Christmas and a 
happy New Year, I wish you a completeness of satisfaction that only 



HOWARD : THE CHllISTIAK HERO. 231 

God can give. In the past you have been very kind to me and mine, 
so it is natural that I should be grateful and seek to make the best 
return. 

" Give my best wishes to Mrs. Sherman and the children about 
you, and believe me ever j^our friend." 

To the Countess de Gasparin, near Geneva, Switzerland. 

"May 29, 1883, 

"... I am very glad you gave him (my son) a book to read. He 
will treasure its precepts and value it from you. I must thank you 
again for your books just received. I will study them carefully. I 
have used j^our husband's name in my addresses because he was so 
faithful and thorough in his researches, so much more so than I have 
been. ..." 

" My opportunity to lecture last year helped me not a little. With 
the Lord's blessing I am getting free from troublesome obligations 
little by little. I hope I shall fight a good fight and come off con- 
queror through Christ." 

Concerning his Visit Abroad. 

^ "Feb. 6, 1885. 

*' Paris and the Louvre would make a book. The glimpses into 
old Eome would make another. 

" I had delightful interviews v/ith the missionaries everywhere I 
went, and found them doing such wonderfully 'good work, particu- 
larly with the young girls, teaching them, as our misses are taught, 
that a very excellent impression has been left with me regarding 
them at Alexandria, Cairo, Smyrna, Scutari, and Athens. . . . 

" I am fearfully dej^rcssed by the news from Khartoum. My saving 
thought is that it is yet necessary [in God's inscrutable wisdom] 
to permit treachery. I do not yet believe that Gordon is dead." 

To General Morrow. 

" February 4, 1885. 
" General, your talk is wise ; I have no feeling now, and had bet- 
ter not awaken any. I invite all kindly and candid criticism, but 
ignore the embittered and poisoned chalice." 



General Howard lias been an industrious correspond- 
ent, despite the disadvantage he has labored under in 
the loss of his right arm. He quickly trained his left 



232 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

hand in tlie use of the pen, and finds little difficulty in 
using the one usually so useless to others for this pur- 
pose. Rarely are his letters written by others, lie deem- 
ing it a duty to pay his correspondents the compliment 
of a personal reply. Peoj^le, in remarking upon his 
facility in this respect, have frequently suggested his 
f orgetfulness of the fact that he ever had two arms — a 
suggestion which lie quickly repudiates. lie has suffered 
too acutely from this cause to treat his loss lightly. 
With more precision than a barometer does this mutilated 
member notify him of a change of temperature, and 
he can never ignore its susceptibility to exposure or 
overwork. He is constantly reminded of it also in 
travel, or in streets of a city, where a jostle against his 
shoulder causes prolonged pain. But he has ever in- 
sisted that the kindness which he has received on ac- 
count of his arm has overbalanced the suffering it has 
cost him. It has taught him patience — a great stock of 
which he has accumulated in his life — and his dependence 
upon the family circle has made him its idol. Yet he 
rides as fearlessly as before, and is capable of as continu- 
ous work with the remaining hand as many persons are 
with both. 

A characteristic of General Howard's which should be 
emphasized is his boundless charity. In his intercourse 
with men he has remembered the assurance made by the 
Master, that the greatest of all virtues is charity, and in 
his constant effort to inculcate this lesson upon his mind, 
he has strengthened it in himself. In his intercourse 
with his children he has systematically endeavored to 
release them from the misfortune of a critical spirit, and 
the subject of many of the " children's hours" has been 
this important theme. It has been the custom of General 
and Mrs. Howard, for many years, to devote the hour 



HOWAKD : THE CHRISTIAlf HERO. 233 

succeeding the evening meal to the children, and it has 
never been neglected. It has made the relationship be- 
tween these parents and their children a beautiful one, 
and dignified it with a spiritual significance not common 
in families. In all his association with his children 
General Howard has, as a natural consequence, impressed 
upon them the child-like faith he has reposed in his 
Heavenly Father, and it has been no matter of surprise 
with them that blessings have come to their fireside. 
They have expected them, and have rejoiced and not 
wondered that they came. 

Some years ago, when the Howard University was 
started, General Howard became responsible for a Pro- 
fessorship, and afterward was unable, through his heavy 
losses in "Washington and the legal expenses of the two 
investigations made of the Bureau management, to pay 
the sum of ten thousand dollars, which was the amount 
he had promised to give. His inability to do so humiliated 
him, and he worked and prayed continuously to cancel 
the obligation. Time passed, and it still remained an 
incubus upon him, he paying the interest upon the sum, 
and thus maintaining the Chair. His family had almost 
despaired of his ever being able to meet the debt, and 
were often tempted to regret that he had created it ; 
but he met the requirements of his bond each year, and 
waited in patience and humility for the leadings of 
the Spirit in the matter. Finally, one day in the sum- 
mer of 1882, in a most unexpected manner, the debt was 
lifted from his shoulders, and the Professorship secured 
to the University. General and Mrs. Howard were 
travelling together, and while on the cars going "West 
made the acquaintance of two fellow-travellers, a citizen of 
ISIew York and his wife, who knew the General by repu- 
tation, and introduced themselves to him. Their jour- 



234 HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

ney laj in the same direction for a few days, and before 
tliey separated tlie gentleman, who had inqnired con- 
cerning the University and its prospects, gave, nnsolicited, 
to General Howard a clieck for the entire amount, sub- 
ject to the provision that his name should never reach the 
public. Mrs. Howard alone was informed, and she, too 
overjoyed and grateful to observe his condition of silence, 
went to him, and touchingly thanked him for the weight 
he had lifted from her husband's shoulders and from 
the hearts of his household. General Howard consid- 
ered it but another of the countless manifestations of 
God's goodness, which he, in common with his fellow- 
beings, was constantly receiving, and he humbled him- 
self yet more in love before Him. The incident is one 
that gave satisfaction to every one who knew General 
Howard, and the modest benefactor has had the silent 
thanks of thousands who heard of his generosity, but may 
never learn his name. The release from this responsi- 
bility, which he w^as pecuniarily unable to meet, lifted a 
mountain weight of care from General Howard, and will 
enable him to anticipate the future without the anxiety 
that would have othervv^ise followed him. 



General How^ard has now reached the summit of his 
earthly fame, and rounded the pyramid of years which 
marks the half century and more he has lived in the 
world. He is at his best intellectually and spiritually, 
and is happy in the contemplations of the past. Life 
now has few temptations for him ; he is serene in his 
strength, full sure that only good can come to him, and 
ready and willing to accept whatever the Master sends to 
him to suffer or to enjoy. 

His attitude through life has been one of kindness 



HOWARD : THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 235 

toward liis fellow-men ; lie has prayed for liis enemies, 
forgiven liis foes, and lias not harbored hate in his heart. 
-:f -X- -^ -j^ -X- 'X- * * 

Such is the record of General Howard, a man of gentle 
nature, kind deeds, and high Christian character, one 
who in his daily living has kept in view the last hour, in 
which he desires to say, with the apcstle, '* I have 
fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have 
kept the faith." 



240 



GEORGE ELIOT S ESS A YS, 

Collected and Arranged, with an Introduction on her " Analysis of 
Motives." By Nathan Sheppard. Paper, 25 cents; fine 
cloth, $1.00. 

THE NEW YORK EXAMINER. '* These essays ought to be 
read by any one who would understand this part of George 
Eliot's career ; and, indeed, they furnish the key to all her sub- 
sequent literary achievements. • 

THE NEW YORK SUN. " In her essays, as in no other of her 
writings, we gain access to the sanctuary of her deepest convic- 
tions, and to the intellectual workshop in which literary methods 
and processes were tested, discarded, or approved, and literary 
tools were fashioned and manipulated." 



FROUDKS HISTORICAL AND OTHER 
SKETCHES, 

Historical and Otker Sketches. By James Anthony Froude. 
Edited with an Introduction by David H. Wheeler, LL.D., Pres. 
Allegheny College. Paper, 25 cents; fine cloth $1,00. 

THE TORONTO MAIL. " The sketches are admirably chosen. 
The volume forms a most readable and valuable collection of 
papers, and the introductory essay is an especially timely and 
friendly production." 

THE BUFFALO CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE. " These essays 
abound in the feh'ci ties of the historian's style and are exceed- 
ingly suggestive." 



FUNK & WAGNALLS, Publishers, 10 & la Dey St., N. Y. 



241 



MOTHERS OF GREAT MEN AND 
WOMEN. 

AND THE WIVES OF SOME GREAT MEN. 

These Pen Portraits include: The Mothers of. The Gracchi, Wesley, 
Luther, Lincoh,, Napoleon, Cromwell, Madarn Necker, Richter, 
Byron, Humboldt, Mendelssohn, Webster, and Garfield; and 
such Wives as Ladies Russell, Beaconslieid, and others. By 
Laura. C Holloway. 

One large volume, 8vo. Illustrated throughout, with Frontispiece 
of Raphael's "Sistine Madonna," engraved on steel. Price, 
cloth, $3.00; same, gilt edges, $5.00; silk, cloth, gilt edges, $6.00; 
half morocco, gilt, $5.00; full morocco, gilt, $7.00. 
Maj. Gen. O. O. HOWARD. "lam delighted to have such 
a pure, good, interesting work as this go into my family." 



THE HOME IN POETR F. 

A collection of English and American verse on The Hojne. By 
Laura C. Holloway. Paper, 25 cents; fine cloth. ^1.00. 
THE CLEVELAND MESSENGER. "The selections have 
been made with discrimination and care." 



AN HOUR WITH CHARLOTTE BRONTE ; 

Or, Flowers from a Yorkshire Moor. By Laura C. Holloway. 
Paper, 15 cents; fine cloth, with fine steel engraving of Charlotte 
Bronte, 75 cents. 

THE NEW YORK HERALD. "There are, at times, flights 
of eloquence that rise to grandeur." 



HOWARD, THE CHRISTIAN HERO. 

A history of Gen. O. O. Howard's religious and philanthropic, 
rather than his military career. By Laura C. Holloway. lamo, 
paper, 25 cents; cloth, $1.00. 



CHINESE GORDON, THE UNCROWNED 
KING. 

A compilation rom Gordon's private letters of his sentiments re- 
garding life, duty, religion, responsibility. By Laura C. Hollo- 
way. i2mo, ribbon tied, 25 cents. 

THE ST. PA UL PIONEER PRESS. " His sentences ring 
like bugle calls." 



FUNK & WAGNALLS, Publishers, 10 & 12 Dey St., N. Y. 



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